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LEPORT OF THE CEREMONIES 



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OF 



Laying the Corner Stone 



OF THE 



NEW gTlTE 6APIT0L 




AUSTIN, MARCH 2, 1885. 



COMPILED BY 



WILL LAMBERT, SECRETARY CITIZENS' EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 



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OF THE 



CEREMONIES 



OF 



Laying the Corner Stone 



OF THE 



pEW CApiTOL OF llU% 




AUSTIN, MARCH 2, 1885, 



CO^i TILED RY 



WILL LAMBERT, 

Secretary^ Citizens' Executive Committee. 



CAPITOL BOARD. 



HON. JOHN IRELAND Governor of Texas. 

" W. J. SWAIN Comptroller. 

" F. R. LUBBOCK Treasurer. 

" W, C. WALSH Commissioner of General Land Ofifice. 

" JOHN D. TEMPLETON Attorney General. 

" JOHN T. DICKINSON Secretary of the Board. 



BUILDINQ CON/IIVIISSIONERS. 



HON. JOSEPH LEE Austin. 

N. L. NORTON* Salado. 

" J. H. McLAURINt Terrell 

GEN. R. L. WALKER, Virginia, Superintendent of Construction. 



^Resigned March — . 1885. fElected April 7, 1885. 



CONTRACXORS. 



HON. ABNER TAYLOR Chicago, Illinois, 

" A. C. BABCOCK 

" J. V. FARWELL 

" Chas. B. FARWELL 

COL. E. E. MYERS, Detroit, Michigan Architect. 



s 



S- PRELIMINARY. 



f^ftHE SECOND D\Y OF MARCH is a memorable one in the history 
filM^ o^ Texas, because on that date, in the year 1836, the people of this 
^^pf territory, tired of groaning longer under Mexican despotism, rose in 
their majesty, and through their chosen delegates, in solemn convention as- 
sembled, declared t'leir independence of Mexico and flung to the breezes of 
heaven the Lone Star Flag of the Republic of Texas. The second day of 
March, A. D. 1885, the forty-ninth anniversary of Texan Independence, is 
one never to be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to have wit- 
nessed or participated in the stirring events which occurred on that day in 
connection with laying the Corner Stone of the New Capitol of Texas — yes, 
let us say One Texas, now and forever, a sentiment which should permeate 
the heart of every true Texan. But let us hasten to our narrative. 

On the second day of December, 1884, by invitation of Hon. W. C. Walsh, 
member of the Capitol Board, a number of gentlemen assembled in the 
county courtroom, in the city of Austin, for the purpose of discussing and 
devismg ways and means for inaugurating proper and becoming ceremonies 
for laying the corner stone of the new State capitol, now in course of con- 
struction. Hon. Z. T. Fulmore, County Judge of Travis County, was called 
to the chair, and Will Lambert requested to act as secretary. 

Captain Walsh briefly stated the object in view when he requested this 
consultation. There was no provision in the contract for building the new 
capitol for a corner stone, nor was there any appropriation in law for de- 
fraying the expenses of procuring a suitable one, if the capitol board saw 
proper to have one. What was to be done? He had spoken to a number 
of citizens of Austin upon the subject, and they had told him that they would 
contribute of their private means tosvard purchasing and preparing a corner 
stone, suitable to ornament the gnand structure, and to make the occasion 
of laying that stone a notable and memorable one in the history of the State. 
Thus encouraged. Captain Walsh laid the matter before the capitol board, 
when he was authorized to represent, and in all things act for, the board in 
the matter of the corner stone. A heavy load had thus been put upon his 
shoulders, but with that generous aid which he expected from the people of 
the "Capital City" he felt confident of his ability to carry the project 
through to a successful termination. Let the good work begin at once, and 
their need be no fears of the final result. 

With the brief and patriotic remarks of Captain Walsh began the ' ' good 
work " which terminated so happily, so grandly, on the forty-ninth anniver- 
sary of our own loved Texas' natal day. After some general discussion, in 



which all present participated, Mr. Chas. S. Morse offered the following 
preamble and resolution, which were unanimo\isly adopted: 

Whereas, It is the desire of the capitol board, the capitol commissioners, 
and the superintendent of construction, that- the corner stone of the new 
State capitol, now in course of erection, be laid with appropriate Masonic 
ceremonies, and the date for laying said corner stone having been fixed 
as the second day of March, A. D. 1885, (that being the anniversary of 
Texan Independence) ; and said capitol board having selected one of 
their number, Hon. W, C. Walsh, to take charge of and to superintend 
all necessary preliminary arrangements, and he having requesed this 
meeting of the various secret societies, the military, firemen, and others; 
therefore be it 

Resolved, That the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Masons be re- 
quested to participate in and take charge of the ceremonies of laying the 
corner stone of the new State capitol building, in the city of Austm, on the 
second day of March, A. D. 1885 ; that all other secret societies be invited 
to be present at said time, to take part and participate in said ceremonies, 
and that a committee on preliminary arrangements be appointed to notify 
all said organized societies of this invitation and request, and that said com- 
mittee report the result of their labor to a called meeting, to be held in this 
building on Tuesday, December 16, 1885, at 11 o'clock a. m. 

Messrs. Chas. S. Morse, John O. Johnson, T. L. Wren and Will Lambert 
were appointed as the committee named in the foregoing resolution. 

On the sixteenth day of December, as called for above, an adjourned 
meeting was held. Judge Fulmore in the chair, and an increased number of 
gentlemen present. The committee reported progress and asked to be con- 
tinued on duty, which request was granted. After the transaction of other 
business the meeting adjourned subject to call. 

A few days subsequent to the above, a general meeting was held in Rep- 
resentative Hall, in the temporary capitol building, over which Captain 
Walsh presided and the writer officiated as secretary. Much enthusiasm 
prevailed among the large number present. As a result of this meeting the 
following Citizens' Executive Committee was selected : 

Will Lambert, John H. Houghton, 

Secretary. Treasurer. 

Jos. A. Nagle, 
H. D. Patrick, 
R. B. Underbill, 
George Criser, 
A. J. Jernigan, 
J. C. DeGress, 
J. C. Petmecky, 
S. W. French, 
Sam P. DeCordova, 
Jules A. Bornefeld, 
W. A. L Knox, 
Ferd A. Wilhelm, 
John Sheehan, 



A. P. Wooldridge, 

Chairman. 
John W. Robertson, 
A. W. Terrell, 
C. E. Anderson, 
Z. T. Fulmore, 
Frank Hamilton, 
J. T. Brackenridge, 
E. T. Eggleston, 
George Herzog, 
John Thompson, 
Isaac Stein, 
H. E. Shelley, 
Rev. R. K. Smoot, 
George S. Smith, 



Joe H. Stewart, 
Chas. G. Caldwell, 
W. D. Morley, 
Chas. T. Hicks, 
J. A. Hooper, 
Rev. E. B. Wrig'it. 
Chas. S. Morse, 
P. J. Lawless, 
A. S. Burleson, 
Phil Abrahams, 
M. D. Mather, 
R. M. Thomson, 
Fred Carleton. 



Captain Walsh was unanimously elected general supervising chairman. 
Mr. Wooldridge, to whom had been delegated the authority of appointing 
all necessary sub-committees, stated that he would name them at the earliest 
practicable moment, und announce them through the public press Accord- 
ingly, on the thirty-first day of December, he promulgated the following : 

Office Citizens' Exkcitive Committee, ) 
Austin, DeccinlHT 31, 1884. \ 

The undersigned hereby api)oiuts tlie following coiiiiuittces iu the matter 
of laying the Corner Stone of the Capitol of Texas: 

Order of Exercises — A; P. Wooldridge, cluiirniaii; General R. L. Walker, 
Professor Leslie Waggener, John H. lloiighton, Colonel J. M. Swisher, J. A. 
Hooper, Charles S. Morse, H. E. Shelley, August Ziller, W. C. AValsh, W. H. 
King, John W.Robertson, Sam W. French, A. W. Terrell. C. F. Millett, Jos. 
Lee, B. M. Baker, P. J. Lawless, J. J. Lane. 

Finances — John H. Houghton, chainiian; Frank Hauulton, W. B. Worthani, 
J. T. Brackenridge, John D. McCall, C. E. Anderson, J. H. Daniel, F. M. Mad- 
dox, W. A. Pitts, E. T. p]ggle«ton. James H. Raymond, Jr., D. N. Robins(m, 
C. G. Caldwell, George W. Littletield, Val. C. Giles. George W. Warner, 
J. W. Driskill. 

Arrangements — R. L.Walker. cJiairuuin; ]\r. 1). Mather, W. Radam, J. K. 
P. McFall, Jos. A. Nagle, F. E. Rudini, F. A. Wilhelni, R. A, Barnes, W. Bes- 
serer, Charles Lundberg, John T. Dickinson. 

Invitations — J. A. Hooper, chairman; Reverend Messrs. W^m. Howard, E.B. 
Wright, R. K. Smoot, T. B. Lee, J. AV. Poind«xter, A. E. Goodwin, H. Meiz, 
M. A. Daugherty, A. P. Jahlin, and P. Luuth, and Dr. Ralph Steiner, W. A. L. 
Knox, A.- S. Burleson, Julius Schutze, Lewis Ibincoik, John E. Thornton, 
Fred Sterzing, George F. Peudexter, Robert G. AV'ost, Gardner Ruggles, R. S. 
Harrison, Tom Johns, R. M. Thomson, J. C. DeGiess, Joe H, Stewart, Dudley 
G. Wooten, Chas. Hup])ertz. 

Printinq and AdvertisiiK/ — H. E. Shelley, chairman ; B. R. Warner, George 
S. Smith," Wm. P. Gaines', E. W. Shands, E. W. Swindells, N. 0. Lauve, E. 
von Boeckmhun, Albert Schutze, Clias. P. Rayiuojid, Geo. B. Jones. 

Orations and Addresses — W. C. Walsh, cliairni,in ; C. S. West, J. B. Rector, 
Thos. E. Sueed. T. S. Maxey, N. G. Shelley, D. W. Doom. 

Edneation, Educational Associations and Ajf'airs — B. M. Baker, chairman ; 
Leslie Waggener, Z. T. Fulmore, < ». M. Rohrrts, H. B. Kinney, J. B. Winn, 
Smith Ragsdale, Jacob Bickler, R. L. Hood, I. H. Bryant, J. E. Snath, Edgar 
Anderson, J. J. Anderson, 0. N. Hollingsworth. 

Texas Veteran Associations — J. INI. Swisher, cliairnuiu ; A. Deffenbaugh, 
S. H. Darden, John S. Ford. 

Mexican War Veterans — A. J. Dorn, chairman : R. Piatt. 

Ex-Confederate Veterans — Thomas Gogjjau, cluurniau ; A. D. Sadler, Sam 
P. Matthews, T. F. Pinckncy, C. S. Harlee. 

Benevolent Associations — Chas. S. ]M(nse, chairman ; T. L. Wren, Yj. C. Bar- 
tholomew, Fred Carleton, John 0. Jolmson, Ham Metz, R. B. Underbill, Wal- 
ter Jacoby, Wm. Wellmer, Tom Murrah, Sam P. DeCordova, A. E. Habicht, 
W. H. Sthreshley, F. Everett, R. C. Shelley, J. R. Cmumings, D. C. B. Cou- 
nerly. 

Fire Companies — August Ziller, ehainnan ; W. R. Brown, F. E. Jones, Chas. 
Hofheintz, W. von Rosenberg, Monroe Miller, W. JI. Salge. 

Military Organizations and Street Pa/7(rZ<'— Adjutant General W. H. King, 
chairman ; Brigadier General A. S. Roberts, Colonel A. P. Bedell, Colonel 
B. F. Smith, Colonel G, J. Gooch, Colonel E. W. Taylor, Colonel W. P. 



Gaines, Colonel E. L. Bowen, Colonel Thomas Scurrv, Captain W. D. Shel- 
ley, Captain R. P. Smyth. 

Local Trades and itidnstrlcs — Sam. W. French, chairman ; W. H. Tobin, 
Sam T. Scott, W. Kreisle, P. C. Taylor, J. H. Warmouth, J. C. Petmecky, 
W. D. Morley, Jolin A. Webb,C. T. Hicks, R. C. Koorber, R. D. Cunningham, 
C. A. Gardner, M. Paggi, P. DeLasliimitt, G. W. Bartholomew, John C. Boak, 
B. H. Smith, George A. Bnisli, A. E. Judge, J. M. Peacock, J. W. Burke, A, T. 
jMcKean, T. H. Phillipson, Julius Newman, Frank Heiermann, John Thomp- 
son, Isaac Stein, George Criser, A. H. Robinson, A. L. Teagarden, W. J. Su- 
tjr, T. H. Edwards. 

Sorial Onianizations — George Herzog, chairman ; E. J. Cavileer, W. H. Hays, 
Max Paid, C. F. Rumpel, Irving Eggleston, W. Besserer. 

/i<'cc^)//o»j— John W. Robertson, I\Iay or, chairman; John Hancock, P. De 
Cordova, Walter Tips, Dr. J. W. McLaughlin, Dr. J. J. Tobin, E. T. Moore, 
Davhl Slieeks, Felix E. Smith, A. W. Terrell, Rhoades Fisher, Eugene Bre- 
moud, A. J. Jernigan, W. M. Walton, Ed Cliristian, Joseph Nalle, B. C. Lud- 
low, Swante Palm, Joseph Spence, Jolui Cardwell, R. Bertram, John H. Rob- 
inson, jr., W. B. Smith, Dr. M. A. Tayloi', G. W. Sampson, W. A. Ryan, 
T. W. Folts, Dr. T. D. Wooten, J. :\I. Day, Dr. C. E. Fi.slier, R. M. Castlemau, 
J. L. Driskill, H. Hirsclifeld, VV. von Rosenberg, sr.. Dr. W. C. Phillips. 

Transjiortathn—P. J. Lawless, chairjnan j J. C. Fray, H. D. Patrick, A. L. 
Rhomherg, C. A. Gardner. 

Eiiterfainmcnt-^C. F. Millett, cliainuau; D. M. Wilson, J. K. Dunbar, J. M. 
Thornton, Monroe Miller, J. C. lllingworth, Dr. A. D. Harn, Chas. Cortissoz, 
V. 0. Weed, T. J. Neavitt, F. W. Turner. 

Grounds and Buildhuj — Joseph Lee, cliairman ; X. L. Norton, R. L. Walker. 

Deposits for Corner Stone— F. 11. I A\\)hock, chairman; W. C. Walsh, X. B. 
DeBray, A. J. Peeler, B. M. Baker, Z. T. Fulmore, A. S. Walker. 

The coTnmittees are in most instances large. This has been done with the 
purpose of bringing home to as maiiy as possible the res])onsibility of con- 
tributing to the success of this most im]>ortaut event in the history of our city. 
It is not intended, however, that those of our citizens not on committees are 
expecte<l to be inditfei-ent to this enteri)rise ; on the contrary, the aid and 
counsel of all our people is cordially invited. 

Respectfully, 

A. P. WOOLDRIDGE, 
Chairman Citizens'" Executive Committee. 

From the foregoing interesting history, brief though it be, the reader will 
learn that the then coming grand event had assumed definite and encourag- 
ing proportions. The several committees named by Chairman Wooldridge 
at once went diligently to work, in their respective departments, and the re- 
sult of their labors was most gratifying. The committee on invitations had 
the occasion most thoroughly advertised in Texas, every editor and post- 
master in the State having been addressed with a printed programme, with 
the request to " publish it to all the people." Three thousand special invi- 
tations were extended to distinguished personages beyond Texas, including 
the President of the United States and his cabinet, senators and representa- 
tives in Congress, and many others. In many instances replies to these in- 
vitations were received, expressing regrets at inability to attend. From a 
letter addressed Secretary Lambert the following language, used by the dis- 
tinguished soldier, citizen and statesman, Sr. Porfirio Diaz, President of the 
Republic of Mexico, is taken: " In the entirety of its value I esteem the 
courtesy of the inviration committee, appointed for the ceremony of laying 



7 

the corner stone of the New Texas Capitol, which is extended to the Gov- 
ernment in the invitation, presented through the estimable medium of your- 
self, to be present at such an impressive occasion, and I beg that you be 
the interpreter of my feelings of gratitude, stating at the same time that the 
affairs of the nation hinder me from attending, as I would desire, and con- 
vey to them my hearty congratulations and the manifestation of the most 
cordial friendship." 

United States Senator S. B. Maxey wrote as follows: '• I have the honor 
to acknowledge the courtesy of an invitation, by your favor, to the ceremo- 
nies of laying the corner stone of the Capitol of Texas, on Monday, second 
proximo. My public duties here debar me the pleasure of accepting. If I 
were at liberty to control my time, I should esteem it a high privilege to be 
present." 

The committee on orations and addresses, at a formal meeting, unani- 
mously selected Reverend Homer S. Thrall, a Texas veteran and pioneer 
Methodist minister, to offer the opening prayer ; Governor John Ireland, 
Judge George Quinan, of Wharton, and Colonel W. L. Crawford, of Dallas, 
to deliver addresses, and Reverend J. W. Whipple, to pronounce the bene- 
diction. 

General W. H. King, Adjutant General of Texas, was selected as grand 
marshal of the day, and he in turn named the following gentlemen as his 
aides: Wm. P. Gaines, Win. B. Brush, John T. Brackenridge, Sam P. 
Matthews, John P. Kirk, Frank Hamilton, Frank M. Maddox, C. E. Ander- 
son, George Criser, J. W. Graham, N. A. Bass, John T. Dickinson and 
M. D. Mather, together with such officers of the Texas Volunteer Guards as 
were present on the day of the ceremonies. 

With the completion of all the ot'ier and many preliminaries, we are thus 
brought to the eve of the grand event, with the city already full of strangers, 
and every incoming train crowded with passengers eager to participate in 
the ceremonies of the morrow. 




THE CEREMONIES. 



[he FORTY-NINTH ANNIVERSARY of the Declaration of Texan 
Independence dawned bright and beautiful upon the Capital City of the 
Lone Star State, and her many thousands of expectapt " h«me folks " 
and invited guests. Long before "Old Sol" had climed high on his 
day journey across the sky, the principal streets of Austin were thronged 
with people, anxious to obtain choice positions from which to view the grand 
procession as it passed them. This imposing street pageant was witnessed 
by fully twenty- five thousand people, and it is safe to say ten thousand of 
that number were visitors. Beyond all question, it was the grandest day in 
the history of owr lovely "City of the Hills." Everybody was happy, and 
not a single unpleasant event was noted to mar the memorable occasion. 

At about nine o'clock in the morning a special communication of the 
M. W. Grand Lodge of Texas, Free and Accepted Masons, was convened 
in the hall of Austin and Hill City Lodge?, with the following grand officers 
present : 

R. W. Z. E, Coombes, of Dallas, Deputy and acting Grand Master. 

R. W. E. G. Bower, of Dallas, as Deputy Grand Master. 

R. W. A. J. Rose, of Salado, Grand Senior Warden. 

R. W. Anson Rainey, of Wachahachie, Grand Junior Warden, 

R. W. Henry Sc'ierffius, of Houston, Grand Treasurer. 

R. W. Wm. Bramlette, of Paris, as Grand Secretary. 

R. W. Jasper Gibson, of , as Grand Chaplain. 

R. W. F. B. Sexton, of Marshall, Grand Orator. 

R. W. John O. Johnson, of Austin, Grand Marshal. 

W. W. M. Smith, of -, Grand Senior Deacon. 

W. Henry Hirschfield, of Austin, Grand Junior Deacon. 

W. Robert Cohen, of Houston, Grand Senior Steward. 

W. Chas. S. Marston, of Houston, Grand Junior Steward. 

W. C, D. Barnett, of , Grand Pursuivant. 

W. H. E. Luck, of , Grand Tiler. 

The Grand Lodge, having completed its secret work, was " called from 
labor to refreshment." In the meantime. Grand Marshal King, with the 
able assistance of his staff, was busy forming the various divisions into line. 
This necessarily consumed much time, so it was near eleven o'clock before 
procession — at once the grandest and most imposing spectacle of the kind 
ever witnessed in Texas — began its march up Congress Avenue to Capitol 
Hill. Copious notes, bearin'g upon the various bodies represented in the 
long line, were made tv/ roific, but having been feloniously abstracted from 
the writer's desk, he must content himself with a cursory glance at the pa- 



geant passes in review before him. Following was the order of march; 

1. Platoon of uniformed police, commanded by City Marshal H. G. Lee, 
on foot. Their appearance was very creditable. 

2. His Excellency, John Ireland, Governor; General David S. Stanley, 
commander of the military department of Texas ; Judge George Quinan and 
Colonel Frank B. Sexton, in carriage. 

3. Adjutant General W. H. King; Major General John M. Claiborne, 
First Division Texas Volunteer Guards ; Colonel E. \V. Taylor, Governor's 
staff; Colonel A. P. Bedell, First Regiment, T. V. G. ; Lieutenant Colonel 
W. P. Gaines, A. A. G., Major Wm. B. Brush, Quartermaster, First Brig- 
ade, T. V. G. ; all mounted and in full uniform. 

4. Members of General Stanley's staff, in carriage. 

5. Heads of the several State departments, in qarriages. 

6. Texas veterans, in carriages, among whom was noticed the old hero, 
Stephen VV. Blount, of San Augustine, one of the surviving signers of the 
declaration of Texan Independence. 

7. The Legislature of Texas, on foot. Lieutenant Governor B. Gibbs 
and Sergeant-at-Arms •' Thad" Brewer in command of the Senate ; Speaker 
L.L.Foster and Sergeant-at-Arms "Milt" Boggess in command of the 
House of Representatives. 

8. The Judiciary, in carriages. 

9. Austin Typographical Union, No. 138, forty-two members, on foot; 
George S. Smith, marshal ; Stonewall Jackson Triplett, color-bearer, with 
George Heffner and Flo. P, Dumars as rig^t and left supports. The hand- 
some banner carried by "Tripp" was the handiwork of Misses Ada and 
Willie Smith, who were the recipients of many compliments on their excel- 
lent taste. Immediately preceding " The Boys " was their decorated float 
— a miniature printing office on wheels — driven by the "Count," Mons. 
Chas. P. Raymond. An improved Gordon job press was run by "Skinny," 
the feeder, while Fred Davis distributed programmes of the day, along the 
route, as they were issued from the press. 

10. His honor, John W. Robertson, Mayor, and City Council, in car- 
riages. 

11. Military — Belknap Rifles, of San Antonio; Austin Greys; Travis 
Light Artillery. This battalion presented a magnificent soldierly appear- 
ance, the steady marching and perfect alignments of the infantry attracting 
particular attention on all sides. 

12. Manning Rifles band, of Austin; fourteen pieces; very fine. 

13. The Fireman of Texas. This 5;plendid looking body of brave and 
patriotic men was headed by the State Firemen's Association, which had 
been in annual session in this city, commanded by their handsome Presi- 
dent, Captain W. C. ("Bud") Connor, of Dallas. Following was our own 
valued, much loved fire department, marshalled by Chief VV. R. ("Four- 
Eyed ") Brown. They were the cynosures of all eyes. 

14. Students of the State University, Austin public and other schools. 
Ifl this division there were over twelve hundred children from the public 
free schools of this city, commanded by their respective teachers. This 
brigade of " Future Greats " received rapturous applause all along the route. 
In this connection great credit is due to the untiring efforts of Honorable 



lO 

B. M. Baker, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and County Judge Ful- 
■ more. They should feel proud of the result of their labors. 

15. Students of Austin Business College, with national colors. 

16. Professor Jacob Bidder's German-American College, 

17. Austin Kindergarten School, Mrs. John K. Donnan, principal. 

18. Veterans of the Mexican war and old Texas settlers, in carriages.- 

19. The German Section — Which originated with, and was carried out 
by, the following local societies : The Germania, Prof. George Herzog, 
President ; Austin Maennerchor, Paul Pressler, President ; Austin Turn 
Verein, Dr. Weisselberg, President, and Travis County Agricultural Society, 
F. Sc'iiefer, President, together with the Germans of Austin and vicinity 
generally, was the deserved recipient of great applause from all beholders. 
Their handsome float was designed and made by the following gentlemen : 
F. Hellwig, architect and designer ; H. Lungkwitz, painter and artist ; W. 

Besserer, decorator; C. L. Nitschke, florist; Brauner, carpenter. Its 

total cost was three hundred dollars. The idea was a representation of the 
unity of Germany and America. In the center of the float was an octagon 
arch, twelve feet in height, richly decorated with garlands and drapery, sur- 
mounted by the Lone Star of Texas, above which blazened the sun. Under 
the arch, upon a group of rocks, sat Columbia, represented by Mrs. Jules 
A. Bornefeld, richly clad in the costume of the character; by her side sat 
Miss Lizzie Jorgenson, personating Germania, appropriately costumed, and 
both clasping hands as if in friendship. Beneath their feet was the Globe, 
showing America and Europe, respectively. At each of the four corners of 
the octagon was erected a second platform, upon which stood a gallant 
knight, clad in rich garments, with armors, shields, spears and helmets, act- 
ing as body guards to Columbia and Germania. These four knights were 
represented by Messrs. Von Kalow, Jr., F. Lenthe, M. Kohl and E. P. Al- 
brect. On the front of the float, on either side of the driver, (Geo. Lutz), 
sat the Ladies of Honor, Miss Julia Bastian in German, and Miss Lungwitz 
in American colors, each resting on their shields. Near these charming 
maidens were the following parties: Mr. and Mrs. R. von Boeckmann, as 
Tyroleans; Mrs. Haschke and son, as emigrants; Miss Emma Wolff, as a 
Bavarian peasant. Upon the rear platform were Mrs. Thielau, as a Mexi- 
can senorita ; Miss Anna Wolff, as an Austrian peasant; Miss Assman, as a 
Bavarian country girl ; Miss N. Dcenicke, as a Silesian child, and Mr. Doeh- 
nert, as a country peasant. All these characters were grouped between a 
profuse and magnificent arrangement of various tropical plants, cedars, cac- 
tus, oleanders, etc., and sheafs of oats, millet, etc., carrying out the idea 
that from rough, wild soil Agriculture had by hard toil taken its place. The 
float was drawn by eight grey horses, wearing the colors of the United States 
and Germany, with the bold inscriptions of "Texas Undivided," and 
" Granite Capitol." Each horse was led by a groom, dressed as a jockey, 
consisting of Messrs Fisher, Pressler, G. Wolff, H. Wolff, Wgechter, Tegener 
and Leser. The wheels of the float were hidden by large streamers, heavily 
draped with flowers and garlands, and emblazoning the words, " Germany 
and America United," encircled by a large Texas star. Immediately pre- 
ceding the float, on a fine, prancing steed, rode Mr. Duesterhofft. who, 
with trumpet, heralded the coming of the pageant. Following him rode 



Dr. von Kalow, Sr., representing a forester, wearing a superb costume and 
well mounted. Then followed on horseback Messrs. R. Seekatz, Thielau 
ann A. Beck, lariat in hand, typifying t'le Texas cowboy. An ancient 
German farmer, mounted, by Mr. Saar, brought up the rear. Following 
marched the Prussian military band, wearing the uniform of the Prussian 
infantry, and embracing nineteen pieces. Next followed the decorated car- 
riages conveying the central committee: Dr. Weisselberg, P. Pressler, E. 
Schutze, Sr. , H. Lungkwitz, Ph. Meyer, W. Tips, R. von Boeckmann, W. 
Besserer, F. Frischmeyer, G. Herzog, F. Hellwig, and F. Schiefer. Fol- 
lowing these marched on foot the members of the several German societies 
with their friends, the German Section thus forming a line numbering fully 
four hundred jolly, happy people. Quite a number of flags and banners 
were distributed throughout the Section, among which was noticed one car- 
ried by the Mainnerchor, a trophy from the first singing festival held in 
Texas — 1851 — and which has been displayed upon all similar occasions. 
Captain Henry Seekatz acted as marshal. 

20. Lodge of the Independent Order of B'nai Brith. 

21. Council of the Knights of Labor. 

22. Travis County Granges, Patrons of Husbandry; the noble tillers of 
the soil. 

23. Austin Lodge, American Legion of Honor. 

24. The Austin Lodges of the Knights of Honor ; full turnout, present- 
ing a very fine appearance. 

25.. Austin Lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen ; a splendid look- 
ing body of men. 

26. Knights of Pythias. — This division consisted of a detachment of Elk 
Lodge, No. 35, of San Antonio, commanded by P. C. Chas. H. Clifford; 
Mount Bonnell Lodge, No. 34, of Austin, under the Chancellor Commander ; 
representatives of Brenham, Houston, Galveston, Waco, Palestine, Temple, 
and other Lodges, including a member of Ivanhoe Lodge, of New Orleans, 
numbering in all about seventy-five, among whom the towering form of Past 
Grand Chancellor C. T. Roff, of Brenham, was conspicuous. These gallant 
knights, representatives of the days of chivalric friendship, appeared in full 
uniform, adding a semi-military appearance to their otherwise handsome 
display. They received many deserved words of praise. 

27. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows. — This division represented 
Milam Lodge, No. 23, Capital Lodge, No. 171, Schleicher Lodge, No. 254, 
ol Austin; Fiskville Lodge, No. 154, Travis county, together with delegates 
*rom Rockdale, Taylor, Round Rock, San Antonio, Bastrop, and other 
points in Texas, making up a representation of nearly two hundred philan- 
thropical gentlemen, indissolubly bound together with the triple links of 
Friendship, Love and Truth. 

28. Colorado Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templars, in full uniform, 
acting as escort to the Grand Lodge and other Masonic bodies. Represen- 
tatives of this ancient and honorable mystic order were present from all 
parts of the State, among the most prominent of whom may be mentioned 
four Past Grand Masters, Frank B. Sexton, of Marshall, Ed G. Bower, of 
Dallas, Thomas R. Bonner, of Tyler, and James H. McLeary, of San An- 
tonio. Then, too, there was the venerable John C. McCoy, of Dallas, 



12 

bearing the Holy Writings, who filled the same high office at the laying oi 
the corner stone of the capitol of Texas in 1852. Austin Lodge, No. 12, 
and Hill City Lodge No. 450, were fully represented, thus aiding in swelling 
the Masonic division to more than four hundred strong. 

29. This, perhaps, was the most distinguishing feature of the entire pro- 
cession, being an illustrative description, on wheels, of the trades and in- 
dustries of Austin. There were quite a number of handsomely decorated 
floats and wagons, representing all lines of business. Some of the designs 
were very elaborate and expensive ; others quite unique, and some rather 
ludicrous, while all of them were decidedly attractive and interesting. The 
getters up of this feature of the day's many never-to-be-forgotten incidents 
deserve muck praise for their efforts to make the occasion a complete suc- 
cess. Without going into further detail their names and business are here 
given, and they should be remembered by all public spirited people: 
S. W. French & Co., lumber, doors, R. Y. Bandy, saddlery, harness and 

sash, blinds, shingles, laths, etc. full cow-boys' outfits. 

Charles Lundberg, bakery, distribut- Stacy & Hicks, cigars and tobacco ; 

ing cakes and confections. not forgetting '' Piper Heidsick." 

George A. Brush, all kinds of stoves, Capitol Oil Company. 

all kinds of tinware, etc. " New Home " Sewing Machine. 

Isaac Stein & Co., China and glass- Iron Front Saloon, John B Neff & 

ware, lamps, statuary, etc. Harry H. Duff, proprietors. 

T/ie McComas, wall paper, house Lone Star Brick Works Company, 

and sign painting. making pressed brick. 

Lone Star Brewery, of San Antonio— Weed & French, Globe livery, feed 

"A Home Enterprise." and sale stables. 

Austin Foundry Company, with home M, Kreisle Company, furniture, car- 
made engine in operation. pets, sheet music, etc. 
E. M, Purkiss, wall paper, house dec-' T. H. Edwards & Co., books and 

orating and fine painting. stationery, and latest papers. 

John W. Kelly, agent for the famous E. P. Haigler, butcher of choicest 

Anheuser-Busch beer, of St. Louis. meats 
Padgitt & Warmouth, saddlery, har- William Radam, fruits, flowers, all 

ness, etc. kinds of vegetables, shade trees. 

It may be possible that there are some omissions in the above enumera- 
tion ; if so, the writer sincerely regrets it, and attributes it to the loss of a 
portion of his notes. He has been compelled, in a measure, to rely upon 
memory for the accuracy of what is here reported, and craves indulgence. 

lii the make-up of the grand parade Sir Chas. S. Morse, 88 ° , Scottish 
Rite, was appointed special marshal to form into line all the secret orders 
and organizations. Having done this, he turned over the German Section 
to Captain Henry Seekatz ; the Knights of Honor to John Dovvell ; Knights 
of Pythias to Phil Abrahams ; Odd Fellows to Fred Carleton; Knights Tem- 
plars to Sir Kt. John Sayles, Grand Captain General, and the Grand and 
Subordinate Masonic Lodges to Sir Kt. John O. Johnson, Masonic Grand 
Marshal. Other orders and societies were under the immediate command 
of their respective presiding officers. All along the route of the procession 
business houses, offices and residences were beautifully decorated with flags 
and buntings, the glorious "Lone Star" predominating. On many of the 



buiidings, and stretched across Congress Avenue, at intervals, Were appro- 
priate mottoes, bidding welcome to the firemen and other guests. 

The writer will be pardoned, he trusts, for a digression, just to tell of an 
amusing incident that occurred under his observation While the proces- 
sion was passing a point on Congress Avenue, and just as the twelve hund- 
red and more school children were fairly in view, a gentleman who had 
evidently partaken once too often of " Four-Eyed " Brown's spirit(s) of the 
•'day we celebrate," approached another party and inquired : " Say, mis'r, 
(hie) are you favor (hie) 'migrashun to (hie) Texas?" "Why, most cer- 
tainly," blandly responded the gentleman questioned. " Well, (hie) d — n 
ef I am. Lo(hic)ok at them little 'uns. We (hie) don't need 'mgration, 
do'nt n(hic)eed it," and he proudly waved his hand at the passing throng. 
full-y impressed that there were people enough in this great State. 

After marching through some of the principal streets, and thence up Con- 
gress Avenue, the procession finally halted at the northeast corner of the 
building, where the now-to-become-historic-stone had been placed to await 
the Masonic rites of the occasion. A vast space of the structure had been 
temporarily floored, under the direction of Superinrendent Walker, Com- 
missioner Lee and Colonel Babcock, contractor. Upon this a rostrum was 
erected, facing the corner stone, from which the prayers addresses, etc., 
, were delivered. All around this rude beilches were improvised, sufficiently 
numerous to accommodate the Grand Lodge officials, orators, ministers, the 
heads of the State departments, capitol board, contractors, and all the dis- 
tinguished invited guests. After these had all been seated and general 
sil'ence obtained. Captain Wals'i arose and in a few appropriate remarks in- 
troduced his old school teacher. Reverend Homer S. Thrall, of San An- 
tonio, who offered the following prayer: 

'' Almighty God ! We have met here to lay the corner stone of this great 
public edifice, and we humbly implore Thy blessing upon our undertaking. 
We look to Thee, recognizing and realizing our own helplessness. ' Except 
the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it.' This house, 
beautiful for situation, crowning the hill which overlooks our capital city, is 
to be of exceeding magnificence. May it stand for generations and cen- 
turies, a center of political influence and power. Here, our God, our Gov- 
ernor and heads of departments will have their offices ; here will be held our 
higher courts ; here will assemble the chosen representatives of our people 
to make our laws. This structure has been commenced under favorable 
auspices, and we pray Thy blessing upon its continuance. Bless those who 
prepare the stones in the quarry, and those who place them in the walls ; 
those who plan and those who labor. May no untoward circumstance, such 
as war, pestilence or famine, interrupt the progress of this work, and in due 
time .may it stand here completed, finished" in all its details and ready for 
use. And now, Oh, our God, we trust we are humbly thankful for past 
mercies and present blessings ; for the peace and plenty which crown the 
land ; for the possession of civil and religious liberty ; for the means of 
mental and moral culture ; for all the blessings which our Christian civiliza- 
tion brings up. 

" We pray that, as a people, we may continue to enjoy these evidences 
of Thy providential care over us. May fruitful seasons reward the labor of 



H 

the husba;idmail. May our cattle and our domestic animals, upon oui 
thousand hills and boundless plains, multiply. May we have commercial 
prosperity ; may our population and wealth continue to increase, and we 
prove ourselves worthy of the blessings of a benign Providence. 

" Bless our universities, our normal institutes, colleges and free schools, 
and asylums for the unfortunates of our race. May all who teach the youMi 
in the schoolroom or through the press be inspired with lofty sentiments of 
virtue and honor, and may our youth be so instructed and trained, that each 
succeeding generation shall advance in wisdom and knowledge. 

"We pray Thy blessing upon the population of the United States; may 
our people be law abiding and God fearing! May we be exempted from 
exciting questions that now threaten the very existence of the governments 
of the old world. 

• " We especially invoke Thy hea\enly benedictions upon the outgoing and 
incoming Presidents of the United States. May the life of him who is soon 
to assume the high trust confided to him by fifty millions of people, be 
shielded from the bullet or dagger of the assassin, and may he be permitted 
through his allotted term of ofilice to enjoy Thy divine protection and guid- 
ance. And may this great people prosper under his administration. And 
we commend to thy providential care the officers of our own State, execu- 
tive, judicial and legislative ; and $1 our people, in their various callings and 
professions. In Thy sight, Oh, Lord of the earth, they are but as a drop in 
the bucket ; in Thy hands are the reigns of universal dominion, and we 
pray that the clash of arms and the conflict of armies in- the dark continent 
and in the dark east may result in human progress. May the inalienable 
rights of humanity be secured by these wars, and thus may all people and 
all languages and nations of all climes and countries be brought into the 
enjoyment of civil liberty, and under the elevating and refining influence of 
an advanced civilization ! 

" And now, Lord, when this work is done, and this building stands com- 
pleted from base to dome, from foundation stone to finial, and we behold it 
in its perfected beauty and grandeur, a sublime specimen of human skill 
and energy, then may our eyes and hearts turn from this to the wonderful 
works of the Great Architect, as exhibited in the material universe, and thus 
may we learn how insignificant are the mightiest of human achievements, 
and then may we seek through the mercy of God to be fit for a happy en- 
trance and final abode in that ' Temple not made with hands, eternal in the 
Heavens,' and to the only wise God and our Savior will we ascribe glory 
and majesty, dominion and power, now and forever. Amen." 

His Excellency, Governor Ireland, was next introduced by Captain Walsh 
and was received with thundering ajjplause. He spoke as follows : 

Ladies and Gentlemen — In behalf of the State and the city of Austin I 
welcome you to the capital. The event of to-day is not the property of 
the present generation, or any set of men, but it belongs to the whole people 
of Texas. This house is to be their house— all are joint stockholders, and 
it is entirely meet and proper that the people should be here to witness the 
beginning of the edifice. Standing on this hallowed ground, it does seem 
to me as though the lover of history and historic scenes might feast his eyes 
and mind on a panorama exhibiting the rise and fall of each successive gov- 



^5 

ernment that has held supreme power in Texas during the last sixty-five 
years. So rapidly have they risen, matured and disappeared, that, like the 
meteor, you can scarcely tell from whence t^iey started, their course, or des- 
tiny! We need not go back behind the revolution of 1824, when Mexico, 
including Texas, succeeded in breaking the Spanish sceptre. Let us take 
one step farther, and we come face to face with the stirring events of 
1824-36. It is just forty-nine years ago to-day that the patriots Richard 
Ellis, and fifty-seven other gentlemen, including C. B. Stewart, James Col- 
lihgsworth, Edwin Waller, Asa Brigham, J. S. D. Byron, Frans Ruis, J. A. 
Navarro, J. B. Badgett, W. D. Lacy, William Menifee, John Fisher, M. 
Caldwell, W. Motley, L. D. Zavala, George W. Smyth, S. H. Everitt, E. 
Stapp, Claeb W. B. Scates, M. B. Menard, A. B. Hardin, J. W. Bunton, 
Thomas G. Gazley, R. M. Coleman, S. C. Robertson, George C. Childress, 
B. Hardeman, R. Potter, Thomas J. Rusk, Charles S. Taylor, John S. Rob- 
erts, R. Hamilton, C. H. McKinney, A. H. Latimer, James Power, Sam 
Houston, E. Conrad, David Thomas, Martin Parmer, E O. Legrand, S. 
W. Blount, James Gaines, W. Clark, Jr., S. O. Pennington, W. C. Craw- 
ford, John Turner, B. B. Goodrich, G. W. Barnett, J. G. Swisher, Jesse 
Grimes, S. Rhoads Fishef, Sam A. Maverick, John White Bower, James B. 
Woods, Andrew Brisco, J. W. Moore and Thomas Barnett, one of the most 
illustrious ©f whom — Sam Houston himself — was born on another second of 
March, away back in the infancy of this commonwealth. Well, as I was 
about to say, it is just forty-nine years ago to-day since this gallant band of 
patriots rose in the grandeur and dignity of their united strength, and flung 
to the people this glorious declaration : 

" We, the delegates, with plenary ])owers of the people of Texas, in sol- 
emn convention assembled, and appealing to a candid world for the neces- 
sities of our condition, do hereby resolve and declare that our political con- 
nection with the Mexican nation has forever ended, and that the people of 
Texas do now constitute a Free, Sovereign and Independent Republic, and 
are fully invested with all the rights and attributes which properly belong to 
independent nations ; and, conscious of the rectitude of our intentions, we 
fearlessly and confidently commit the issue to the Supreme Arbiter of the 
destinies of nations." 

Such was the noble utterances of these illustrious pioneers of the past — 
these trusty pillars of our new-born liberty, and of all who have thus merited 
the undying gratitude of their successors, and enshrined their names in the 
hearts of the people, but two live to look upon or read of the event we cele- 
brate to-day, and these two patriarchs and patriots are Dr. C. B. Stewart 
and Stephen W. Blount. All the others have passed to their eternal reward, 
but so long as virtue wins our veneration ; so long as unselfish patriotism ex- 
cites and warms to human praise ; so long as these colossal columns can 
commemorate the greatness and glory of the State, the names of the good 
men gone, as well as those who are still with us, will be remembered with 
reverence by the citizens of Texas. 

The old adage that " a rolling stone gathers no moss," has been disproved 
by our history as a nation and a State. The first " capitol " our predeces- 
sors enjoyed was at San Felipe. The capitol building was roofed by the 
blue dome of heaven, while the sward pf the prairie served for a floor! 



i6 

Then came Washington on the Brazos, whose crumbling ruins to-day tell of 
former splendor. Harrisburg, Galveston, Velasco and Columbia, all in turn 
aspired to that dignity later on.. At Columbia our first congress convened. 
In the spring of 1837 tke seat of government was established at Houston, 
and not until that time was our first " capitol " constructed Who, even of 
the present day, does not remember the " Old Capitol?" From beginning 
the capitol of a nation, the building became a hotel, and was only displaced 
for a more commodious structure within the past few years. ^V'hether that 
capitol had a corner stone, or if it had one, whether it was ever formally 
"laid," I am not informed, but it is to be presumed that the little band of 
patriots of that period were more pressed for time than we are. and probably 
dispensed with the ceremony which calls us together to-day. In 1839 the 
seat of government preceded the city to the spot where Austin now stands. 
In 1842 the President, General Houston, put the " government " in his 
pocket and carried it back to the city of Houston. Again, the "seat" of 
government found its way back to Washington on the Brazos. 

The convention to determine whether a nation should merge and become 
a member of the confederacy known as the •' United States of America," 
was called by President Jones to meet at Austin, 'and from that time this 
city has been the seat of government. The first capitol building in Austin 
was a wooden structure, whose timbers were prepared by hand in the Bastrop 
pineries, and was erected •n the hill where the recorder now holds his daily 
levees, and the city council legislates for the corporate weal. That build- 
ing probably cost four or five thousand dollars, but humble though it was. 
no king or potentate ever entered his court with more genuine pride than 
did the gallant men whose swords had earned the right to be there as the 
chosen representatives of an independent nation. 

While that building was going up, the men who fashioned and constructed 
it lived under adjoining trees, and feasted on corn meal ground on a hand 
mill, with wild meat killed on the very spot where we now stand. In the 
rear the cloak room was situated, but tradition fails to enlighten us as 
to whether or not the senators or members of the house wore such garments, 
and, if they did, what material they were composed of. This continued to 
be the State house until the stone buil^iing was erected whose fire-blasted 
ruins so lately marked the scene of our present ceremony. The old house 
on "Market Hill," so prolific of historic memories, also witnessed the de- 
mise Af a nation and the birth of a State. It was, in truth, a useful build- 
ing, for it served with eqaal convenience as a senate chamber, a church 
edifice and a schoolhouse, and was used for Sunday-school meetings, polit- 
ical conventions, public lectures and entertainments, balls and social gath- 
erings, theatrical exhibitions, and, in short, on all public occasions no one 
asked where the people were to assemble, for by common consent the "old 
capitol" was known and regarded as the regular rendezvous. 

When Texas sold her Santa Fe country to the United States and obtained 
$5,000,000 in cash therefor, she felt rich and pr*ud, and determined to 
build a new stone capitol. The corner stone was laid with appropriate 
ceremonies, just in front of where we stand, on the fourth day of July. 
1852. The piles of burned books, records and furniture left us as a legacy 
warn us, in this our new enterprise, against defective flues and shoddy 



17 

work. \Ve arc not erecting a house now for the present generation, for I 
think it is safe to say that one-third of the period allotted to a generation 
will have passed away ere this building is completed. When it is com- 
plfeted we will have something worth transmitting to our descendants. Its 
total length is 566 feet, with a width of 289 feet. It will be three stories 
above the basement, while its dome will rise to an altitude of 316 feet higher 
than the place where we now stand. It will contain over 250 rooms and 
apartttients, and its cost, although indefinite on a money or cash basis, is 
covered by a grant of 3,000,000 acres of land. Its material shall be — what? 
Gwy limestone or red granite? [Prolonged applause for granite.] When 
it is completed I think we may well exclaim, as did the Psalmist of old, that 
"This latter day house shall surpass in glory that of the first." 

It may be asked to what purpose are we to-day making these deposits in 
the corner stone? Those who erected the second temple asked no such 
questions about their discoveries. Still it may be of interest to future gene- 
rations to record in this way mementoes of the men and things of to-day. 
No authentic account can be given now of the time and people who erected 
the Tower of Londoh. It may have been by the Anglo-Saxons, but some 
contend that it was built by Julius C?esar, and intended as a fort. If the 
dynamiters had been a little more successful a few days ago the world might 
have been enlightened on this subject by an examination of- the corner 
stone. 

We of to-day believe that this work is being well done, but we must not 
expect to escape criticism in the future, because public virtue now, in the 
estimation of many, consists in the largest capacity to criticise. Judicial 
criticism is, of course, often a check to wrong doing, but the abuse of this 
right has become so prevalent that even the most competent and conscien- 
tious rarely escape the doubtful aid of this growing weakness, especially if 
those who are given to the infection are invested with a little brief authority. 
To such an extent has this failing been carried that an extremist once criti- 
cised the Almighty Himself for planting the apple, thus giving Eve an oppor- 
tunity for leading her lord astray. [Laughter.] But if we do our duty as 
we understand it, we need have no fear of criticism, and the grand work 
dedicated by the imposing demonstration of to-day will stand a monument 
to the wisdom, taste and energy of our age, and be as durable and substan- 
tial even as " the everlasting hills." 

After the applause which followed the Governor's address had ceased, 
his Excellency introduced that noble old Roman and "old-time Texan," 
Judge George_Quinan, of Wharton, who delivered the following address: 

We are assembled here, fellow-citizens, upon a memorable day and upon 
an interesting occasion. It is the anniversary of the declaration of the 
Independence of Texas. Forty-nine years ago the pioneer settlers of Texas 
— few indeed in number, but strong in the love of liberty and the uncon- 
querable determination to live free men, in the infancy of the country, 
despite the impending danger-of invasion, the certainty of a protracted and 
bloody strife, and a period of great sacrifices, yet not without hope — deter- 
mined upon the severance of the ties which united them with the Mexican 
people, and laid the foundation of the young Republic — the corner stone of 
the free institutions under which we live. Since that day the progress of the 



i8 

country in population, in wealth and the development of its resources, has 
been unparalleled. And now, to-day, in the fullness of its abounding pros- 
perity we come to lay the corner stone of a new capitol worthy the extent 
and grandeur of the State. The day and the event are not inappropriate. 
We cannot witness the imposing ceremonies of this occasion without recall- 
ing the great events which precede it — the settlement of 'Texas and the 
foundation of its government. 

There are with us a few of the venerable men who founded the infant 
State, who sat by its cradle, who come here upon its natal day, to greet 
their comrades, and iwdulge with us in the emotions of pride and exultation 
which the occasion inspire. 

In all civilized lands, where love of country is counted a virtue, and rev- 
erence for the fathers a duty, it has been the usage to mark with becoming 
observances the recurring anniversaries of days famous in their annals for 
illustrious events, the birthdays of their great men, the founding of their 
cities, the building of temples or the pulling down of bastiles. With flying 
banners, and processions and martial pomp and parade, and salvos of artil- 
lery, they welcome the day, and do homage to the events it recalls and the 
ideas it inspires. And to-day, we come in the best manner we may, to do 
honor to this occasion and to commemorate the men and the heroic period 
of Texas. The Governor of the State and its chief executive officers, the 
Legislature and the Judiciary, the superintendents of its asylums and its 
schools, the learned professors of its University — and its students, the rising 
hope of the country — our citizen soldiery, the respectability and worthy of 
the land, are here. The matronly elegance and the blooming beauty of this 
fair city are here also to grace the occasion . 

Not idle and unmeaning is this pomp and circumstance. It is well that 
with all becoming ceremony and display we celebrate this day so thronged 
with proud recollections and full of promise of the future. It is fitting that 
when we are about to lay the corner stone of the splendid capitol destined 
to crown this hill we shall recall the virtues and the achievements of the 
pioneer fathers and founders of the State, who reclaimed this fair domain 
and made the erection of its capitol here a possible event. It is an ill omen 
for that State whose people do not venerate the memory of the men who 
served it. The love of liberty and of free institutions soon ceases to exist 
in a land where the history of the patriots who fought and won the battles of 
freedom inspires not any longer nor emulation, nor regard. The people 
who can listen unmoved to the story of the brave days of old, who feel no 
touch of emotion, no quickening of the pulse nor throbbing of the heart at 
the recital of the trials and triumphs of their forefathers, who make of mere 
business utility an idol, and count all the rest vanity, are in the easy descent 
from waning patriotism to perdition. 

The history of Texas is one whereof any people might well be proud. 
Every page of it is inscribed with noble deeds. For the most part it was 
written before the annexation of Texas to the American Union. So great, 
indeed, has been the influx of population from other States and countries 
since that day, that many of our people are wont to date it from that auspi- 
cious event. Not so. In truth, all that is most brilliant in it, the occur- 
rences which thrill us as we recall them, took place ere yet the flag of the 



t9 

Union sptead its ample folds above us. When this State entered the Amer- 
ican Union she had already achieved her independence. She had an 
established place among the nations of the earth, won by the valor and the 
wisdom of her people, and her independence was acknowledged by the 
leading powers of Europe. 

Our history may be said to open with the coming in of the great Empres- 
sario, whose name your city bears, and his three hundred. All behind that 
may enlist the attention of the antiquarian, but possesses little interest, and 
points no moral for us. The country then was almost unpeopled. There 
was a military post at Nacogdoches, another at Bexar, and a few scattered 
missions and some settlements on the San Antonio river and the Rio Grande. 
It was a mere outlying province of old Spain, a land of great beauty and 
fertility, but yet a wilderness. 

Remitting for a time its ancient jealousy of foreigners, the Spanish gov- 
ernment became desirous of colonizing the country with foreign emigrants, 
and with this view a contract was entered into with Moses .\ustin. Before, 
however, any progress was made under this agreement, the Mexicau people 
revolted and established their independence. Acting in a more liberal 
spirit than has since characterized it, the new nation renewed with Stephen 
Austin the contract which had been made with his father, and a general 
colonization law was passed by the Mexican congress. Subsequently other 
contracts were made with other empressarios for the introduction and settle- 
ment of families here. Liberal donations of land with exemption from 
taxes, and the right of local self-government, were granted co the new 
settlers. Thus it was that our people gained a foothold here. They were 
invited in by the Mexican government under assurances of favor and pro- 
tection. 

Austin's first settlers entered Texas in 1821. They were attracted here 
by the glowing reports they had heard of the beauty and fertility of the 
land, and, like all Americans, they were a land-loving people. They were 
ambitious to become proprietors of the soil, to establish for themselves 
homes and farms and engage in agricultural and pastoral pursuits. These 
settlers were hardy, industrious, enterprising men ; for the most part mar- 
ried men with families. They were hospitable, generous and brave ; and 
they were picked men. It was a common error with ignorant or prejudiced 
people of the old States to speak of our early settlers as mere adventurers, 
restless, reckless, lawless men. Never was there a more atrocious slander. 
By the terms of his contract, Austin was bound to introduce none but men 
of good moral character. And so with the other empressarios. Before the 
issuance of title to the lands granted them a certificate that the colonist pos- 
sessed that necessary qualification was required by the commissioner ap- 
pointed to extend them. This appears on the face of the old grants. The 
records of Ayuntamientos show that when wicked men of loose character 
came into the colony they were promptly expelled and sometimes with many 
stripes. The truth is, that our early settlers were men of sterling worth, for 
the most part possessed of some property — many of them wealthy, educated 
men. Some had held high position in other States. Austin himself had 
sat with Benton in the Legislature of Missouri, had held the oflfice of district 
jQdge ill Arkansas, and had studied the civil law with the ablest jurists of 



20 

Louisiana. A distinguishing trait in the character of all the settlers Wis 
strong common sense, a love of freedom and personal independence. If 
New England may boast of her Pilgrim fathers, the immigrants of the May- 
flower, we, too, may point with pride to the pioneers of civilization here, 
the fathers of the country, and challenge comparison in all the qualities that 
make men worthy of remembrance with the early settlers of any clime or 
State. It was, indeed, only men of this stamp — hardy, industrious, self- 
respecting and law-abiding — that could have made colonization here a 
success, and worked the wonders that were wrought in the land. 

And, soon, indeed, the wilderness began to display the thrift and worth 
and character of the settlers. The log cabin and the cultivated farm, the 
numerous flocks and lowing herds, the frequent droves of neighing horses, 
and all the sights and sounds of civilized occupancy and abode began to ap- 
pear in the land to diversify the changing scene. Immigration from 
abroad began to flow into the country. The perils and sufferings of the first 
years of the earlier settlers were soon succeeded by years of abundance and 
peace, and the colonies entered upon a period of rapid development and 
prosperity. To Austin was committed the task of establishing government 
over the settlements. He was invested with almost unlimited discretion 
and authority. He was at once law-giver, supreme judge and military 
chief, and under the mild, though firm and sagacious administration of this 
extraordinary man, lawlessness was restrained, peace maintained, and the 
country flourished. It is worthy of remark that in those days there was far 
less crime committed than has darkened these latter days of civilization, and 
none of the meaner sort. Embezzlement, perjury, petty larceny and the 
like were almost unknown. The offenses occurring were generally such as 
might spring from a hot temper and a strong sense of personal dignity apd 
manhood. Would that our records to-day were distinguished by a like in- 
frequency of crime, and a like regard for law and good morals. 

This progress of the country, its increasing wealth and population, the 
influx of immigration from the States of the American Union after a time, 
however, began to attract the attention of the Mexican government and 
aroused the jealousy of the Mexican people. The conviction was impressed 
upon them that the Americans here designed to wrest this fair province from 
their domain, and thenceforward they turned an evil eye upon us. Then 
ensued upon the part of the Mexican government and its ofificials a long 
series of unjust and oppressive acts. An irrepressible conflict broke out be- 
tween the races. Our people were subjected to every petty annoyance 
and arbitrary exaction that malignity could Suggest. I cannot stop to par- 
ticularize the repeated acts of tyranny which finally led to the separation of 
Texas from the Mexican nation. They are all well summed up in our 
Declaration of Independence. The change of the government to a njilitary 
despotism ; the imprisonment of the agents sent to remonstrate against it ; 
the dispersal of the State Congress of Coahuila and Texas by force ; the de- 
mand to deliver up our citizens and ordering their arrest, to be sent into the 
interior for trial ; the denial of the right to trial by jury ; the demand to giv^ 
up their arms and to submit to these exactions on pain of forfeiture of their 
homes ; its incitement of the Indians to make war upon the settlements, and 
finally, the invasion of the country with the avowed intent to drive the 



Americans from the country. These are some of the causes which cottl- 
pelled the severance of our connection with Mexico. It was in truth the 
unhallowed marriage of vigorous youth with decrepit age — tke union of an 
active, enterprising people with a population scarce half civilized. It has been 
often charged that Texas acted in bad faith towards Mexico ; that we de- 
spoiled her of her territory to which she had invited us, without cause and 
with the grossest ingratitude. The Declaration of Independence shows how 
unfounded is that accusation. Never was rebellion better warranted. If 
the revolution of 1776, by the common voice of mankind, was justified by 
the tyranny of the British king, surely our revolution is vindicated by causes 
no less adequate, and by circumstances far more urgent. It was a neces- 
sity imposed on our people for the preservation of their homes, their lives 
and liberties. 

With what ardor our people responded to this declaration ; with what de- 
votion they entered into the conflict which ensued ; with what fortitude they 
maintained it amid disaster and defeat ; how gallantly they bore themselves 
on the day of battle again5;t amazing odds, until victory crowaed their en- 
deavors, cannot be too often told. The record of their great deeds should 
be stamped upon the hearts and in the minds of men secure beyond the 
" tooth of time and razure of oblivion." Gonzales and Goliad, Concepcion 
and Bexar, the Alamo and San Jacinto — these are immortal names. They 
are the synonyms of unfaltering fortitude and dauntless courage. 

In the history of any age or people, can a parallel be found for the 
sublime devotion of the defenders of the Alamo? 

The invasion in the spring of 1836 by Santa Anna found the Texans but 
ill prepared to meet his overwhelming force. To gain time for preparation, 
to delay his advance was believed to be essential to the salvation of the 
country. Travis was directed with his little command to hold the Alamo 
until reinforcements should reach him, and at all hazards keep the enemy 
in check. On the third of March, writing to the Convention, the hero says : 
"With 145 men I have held the place ten days against a force variously 
estimated at from 1,500 to 6,000, and I will continue to hold it till I get 
relief from my countrymen, or I will perish in its defense. I will never re- 
treat or surrender." Alas! what could valor or devotion avail against the 
overwhelming numbers of the enemy. On the sixth of March Santa Anna, 
the last division of his forces having arrived, directed that the Alamo should 
be carried by storm. In three columns numbering 2,500 men, the enemy 
moved to the assault. Soon the outer defenses of the place were carried 
and then the ckurch,' and then within the walls ensued a hand to hand con- 
flict with the foe. The Alamo fell, but not until the last of its defencTers, 
Travis and Crockett, Bowie and Bonham, and the rest of the heroic band, 
had fallen amid heaps of Mexican dead. 

" Long may tbe ruftian quake to tell 
How Travis and his hundred fell. 
Amid a thousand foemen slain. 
They died the Spartan's death , 
■ N.ot in despairing strife, 
And their expiring breath 
Was Freedom's breath of life." 

The fall of the Alamo was soon succeeded by the massacre of Goliad. 
Fannin, who commaaded at that post with a force of 400 men, attempting 



2i 

his retreat, was overtaken In the open prairie near the Colette by the ene^ 
my's cavalry, and soon surrounded by a division under General Urrea. 
The gallant officer, notwithstanding the great disparity of numbers, made 
immediate disposition for battle. Four times the enemy were repulsed with 
heavy loss. But soon, Urrea receiving heavy reinforcements of men and 
artillery, it became apparent how hopeless the contest was, and then to save 
a useless waste of life, Fannin capitulated. The terms were that his men 
were to be treated as prisoners of war, were to be marched to the coast and 
sent to New Orleans. On the following Sabbath day the prisoners were 
marched out from Goliad and ruthlessly shot down. Santa Anna repudiated 
the treaty made with Urrea, and had directed their slaughter. To the 
credit of Urrea, he refused to obey the inhuman decree, and a full-blooded 
Indian from Yucatan, whose savage instincts could be relied upon, was de- 
puted to do the bloody work. More fortunate than the defenders of the 
Alamo, who left no messenger of defeat, a few escaped from the massacre of 
Goliad to tell the terrible tale. — [One of those who escaped the brutal and 
cowardly slaughter of Fannm and his defenseless prisoners, — I allude to 
Judge William L. Hunter, still lives, almost within rifle shot of the scene 
of the bloody and base perfidy. He is a member of the Texas Veteran 
Board. He was an attentive listener to this patriotic address. — Compiler.] 

Ah! there were sighs and tears and aching hearts as the dismal tidings of 
these disasters flew like the rack of some fearful storm glooming over the 
land. There was mourning in every household. In many a home sat the 
mother, like Rachel, weeping for her children, and would not be comforted 
because they were not. 

Some writers who have essayed the history of Texas represent these events 
as followed by a general panic. I have not so learned the story of the 
times. There was indeed an intense gloom prevailing, and there was an 
immediate rush of the settlers from the army to remove their families to a 
place of safety from the path of the ruthless invader, who, in his advance, 
spared neither age, sex nor condition. But there never was any thought of 
abandoning the cause of the country. There was grief in every heart, but 
there also was the inflexible resolve to fight to the death for their freedom, 
their fields and their firesides, and an insatiate thirst for vengeance. Very 
soon the settlers returned to the army, and at the Colorado Houston could 
muster a larger force than at any time before or afterwards was assembled 
under his command, all eager to meet the enemy and avenge the murder of 
their fellow-countrymen. 

Nor was the day of vengeance long delayed. The twenty-first of April 
made all things even. 

Flushed with his success at the Alamo and Goliad, Santa Anna crossed 
the Colorado and the Brazos at the head of some picked troops and made a 
dash upon Harrisburg, where he hoped to surprise the officers of the pro- 
visional government, and thus, at one blow, terminate the campaign and 
conquest of the country. Then came Houston's opportunity. He had lain 
for some weeks at Groce's, subjecting his little army to the severest discip- 
lining. When the intelligence of Santa Anna's movement reached him, he 
immediately broke camp and put his troops in motion. By forced marches 
he reached the San Jacinto on the twentieth of April, and the opposing 



23 

forces met face to face. On the twenty-first of April, about three o'clock in 
the afternoon, Houston ordered the troops to parade in order of battle. An 
extensive island of timber and the situation of the ground partially concealed 
his movements and enabled him to concentrate his forces without attracting 
the attention of the enemy. The gallant Sherman, with whom was Rusk, 
commanded on the left ; Burleson on the right, and Houston himself led the 
center. He rode along in front of his lines, speaking words of cheer to his 
men, directing them to reserve their fire, and bidding them remember 
Goliad and the Alamo. Then he gave the order to advance. At double 
quick time the Texans moved forward, receiving the enemy's fire without 
firing a shot until within point-blank rifle range of the foe, and then Hous- 
ton gave the command to fire. Before that withering fire the enemy fell 
like grass before the sythe, and then Rusk, observing its effect and that the 
Texans were pausing to reload, (Houston being wounded), rose in his stir- 
rups and shouted at the top of his strong voice : "Push on men, push on! 
Charge!" The order passed from lelt to right, and then from our ranks 

" At once there rose so wild a yell 
As if the fiends from heaven that fell 
Had pealed the banner cry of hell." 

•The Alamo and Goliad!" broke from every tongue, and, springing for- 
ward with a rush, the Mexican breastworks were soon carried, and a hand 
to hand fight ensued within his lines. But not for long ! The war cry of 
the Texans, the deadly aim of their rifles, their rapid onslaught, struck ter- 
ror to the heart of the foe, and after a feeble resistance his whole line wav- 
ered, broke and fled, and the battle and fighting were finished. But not so 
the work of slaughter and of vengeance. How fearfully were the Alamo 
and Goliad avenged. All that day till the sun went down and darkness 
shrouded the scene, the fearful carnage continued. The fugitives attempt- 
ing to escape by Vince's bridge, which they had crcssed on their forward 
march, found that it had been destroyed. They then attempted to ford the 
boggy bayou, and were there slain in heaps. The bodies of the dead 
choked the stream and the bayou ran blood. Our officers endeavored to 
stop the slaughter, but in vain. The Texans, making a bridge of the bodies 
of the fallen foe, crossed, and continued the pursuit of the fugitives. There 
was neither stop nor pause until the night and sheer exhaustion put an end 
to the terrible retribution. 

Never was their victory more complete. The capture of Santa Anna, all 
his troops, his stores and his material of war, was soon followed by the re- 
treat of the whole invading force across the Rio Grande. In ancient or 
modern times no battle has been so decisive or grand in its results. It put 
the seal to our Declaration of Independence. It altered the map of the 
continent and added an emipire to the American Union. 

Turning now from the recital of feats of arms let us glance a moment at 
the civil history of the times no less worthy of cowmemoration. After San 
Jacinto the temporary seat of government was at Columbia, an inconsider- 
able village on the Brazos. There were no public buildings there and but 
small accommodations for the officers of government or facilities for the 
transaction of the public business. The first congress sat in the White ware- 
house. Its committee rooms were log cabins, the merest shanties, or the 



H 

spreading branches of some neighboring oak. Yet the place was not with- 
out interesting associations. It was the cradle of the Texas revolution. 
Here the earliest meetings were held by the settlers to consider the condi- 
tion of the country and the remedy of the oppressions it suffered. Here 
Santa Anna was for a long time held prisoner pending his fate. Here died 
Austin, the father of his country, worn out in its service ; and here Houston 
was inaugurated President of the Republic. AVhoever has studied with at- 
tention the acts of the first Congress of the Republic, will be amazed at the 
volume and the value of the work performed, the sagacity and statesman- 
ship displayed by the pioneer legislators. They sat, as it were, with arms 
in their hands, for rumors of re-invasion were constant. The task before 
them was a labor of Hercules. The changed condition of affairs rendered 
necessary a vast amount of legislation to adapt our laws to the new order of 
things. Yet how well they accomplished the work the statute book bears 
witness. Their first care was the public defense. They provided for rais- 
ing an army, mainntaining it in the field, and for the organization of the 
militia; they provided for the purehase of a navy: they established custom- 
houses ; laid impost duties, levied direct taxes for the support of the govern . 
nient; they created a general land office, and provided for the granting of 
lands to immigrants and the issuance of headright certificates and bounty 
warrants ; they defined by law the boundaries of Texas — an act of rare fore- 
thought, for ultimately it was effective in settling our title to a large territory, 
and the payment of the public debt ; they established a general postofifice, 
postoffices and post routes ; they provided for the selection of the perman- 
ent seat of government ; they organized tHe judiciary and regulated the 
practice of the courts ; they enacted a criminal code, regulated the marital 
rights of parties, the administration of estates, the order of succession, and 
the solemnization of marriages. And it is worthy of mention as illustrative 
of the tone of society and morals in those early times, that whereas many 
marriages had been in the absence of a priest (then deemed necessary to 
their validity) contracted by bond, and a law was passed to remove all 
doubt by the re-solemnization of these bond marriages under license from 
the courts, before a civil officer or minister, all such married people, old or 
young, great and small, childless or otherwise, hastened to avail themselves 
of its privileges and to renew their vows. There was not a single exception 
— not a solitary instance of recusation. Whether such a thing would be 
likely to happen under like circumstances in this progressive day in any 
other State may be questioned. In fine, it may be said, with confidence, 
that the work of legislation done by the earlier congresses of the Republic 
will compare favorably with that accomplished at any period in any Sta'e of 
the Union. 

I would like now to make mention fully and at^large of t'le many eminent 
men who figured in these times, if time permitted me, for there were giants 
in those days. We may well boast of the long roll of our noble men. 
Rusk, our first Chief Justice of the State and Senator; Henderson, our min- 
ister to France, and Governor and Senator of the State ; Burnet, the Presi- 
dent ad interim ; Burleson, the gallant soldier and Vice President ; Milam 
and Johnson, the captors of Bexar; William H. Jack, an accomplished law- 
yer and statesman and an unrivaled orator; Lamar, the President, and 



«5 

Archer, the first speaker of the House ; the Whartons, and a host of others 
— "Immortal names not born to die." But there were two names which 
led all the rest. They may be spoken 6f as representative men. :\ustin, 
the founder of the State — the father of his country; Houston, the hero of 
San Jacinto. 

No two men could be more unlike in personal traits. Austin was scarcely 
of the middle height, but he was of an active form and capable of great en- 
durance. He had a noble countenance, full of intellect, though its prevail- 
ing expression was one of sad earnestness. Untiring energy and unremit- 
ting assiduity, a patience and fortitude nothing could weary or daunt, com- 
mon sense, prudence and moderation in the conduct of affairs, these were 
the qualities which distinguished him above other men and rendered pos- 
sible the success of his colonization enterprise. It is very certain that of 
our many able men there was not one so fitted by nature for the work or 
who could have accomplished so much. He had great influence with his 
settlers. He knew intimately the men he had to deal with, and valued 
highly their sturdy independence of character. And they, too, believed in 
him, his integrity and devotion. When sent on a mission to Mexico to pro- 
cure some mitigation of Mexican misrule, and, if possible, a separate 
State government for Texas, he was arrested and thrown into prison. For 
nearly two years he languished in the dungeons of Acordado. While there 
he was offered his liberty, untold wealth and high position to abandon the 
cause of the colonists and unite with the Centralist party, then in power, 
and assist in driving the Americans from the country and in suppressing the 
local government of the State. These offers he indignantly spurned, choos- 
ing rather to suffer affliction with his people than effect his personal aggran- 
dizement by betraying their interests. 

Austin was never married. His irapressariate was the idol of his devo- 
tions. All the wealth of the affections of his great heart was lavished upon 
his colony. He had " nor fear nor hope nor love beyond — his heart beat 
here." Well did he earn his tide : " The father of his country, the founder 
of the State!" 

Houston was a man of different mould. Of a tall and imposing presence, 
a countenance which displayed intelligence, firmness and self-reliance. He 
was a born ruler of men. When he came here he had already made him- 
self a name. He had distinguished himself at the battle of the Horse Shoe, 
had been a member of Congress, Governor of Tennessee, and an Indian 
chief. San Jacinto has filled the continent with his renown. 

He had rare judgment of men, and was a skillful politician. There were 
few men -with whom he came or v/as likely to come in contact, of whose 
character and antecedents he had not an intimate knowledge. If not a 
great orator, he was an effective and graceful speaker. In all his public 
speeches there were passages which fastened themselves upon the memory, 
and are to this day often quoted. Napoleon said "epithets are things." 
No one had a finer art in bestowing them than Houston, and his gifts were 
as the shirt of NeJ^sus. His administration of the government was marked 
by prudence and wisdom. He restored our finances to a healthy condition, 
and was the first to apply the maxim, since made famous here, " Pay as you 
go." He maintained peace with the Indians. He favored and encouraged 



26 

the colonies of Germans which have added so much to the weakh and pros- 
perity of the State. His poHtic management of our foreign affairs contributed 
largely to annexation by exciting the jealousy of other governments. In the 
United States Senate he was the marked of all observers. He was a great 
man, of amazing sagacity — ambitious, but it was to serve his country well. 
He loved Texas as he loved his own. 

Nothing in his political career was nobler than its close. Opposed, as he 
was known to be, to secession, when Governor he refused the ofter of mili- 
tary aid from the federal government to maintain his authority, choosing 
rather to be deposed from his high position than be the means of inaugurat-- 
ing a bloody strife within the State. 

In this necessarily brief and fragmentary notice of the settlement of Texas, 
and some of the leading incidents and characters of our struggle for inde- 
pendence, it has been my purpose to show how meet and right it is that we 
should keep tliis day a holiday ; how worthy of commemoration the great 
events of our revolution ; the character and the conduct of the great men 
who figured in it ; how proud we should be of the name of Texans and the 
history of Texas, every page of which is brilliant with heroic deeds and 
illustrious names. We boast to-day of the greatness of our State, its extent, 
the exuberant fertility of its soil, the wealth of her resources, her increasing 
population, but the richest heritage we possess is the priceless record of 
noble actions and noble names left us by the founders and fathers of the 
State. It should be known of all the dwellers within our borders. It should 
be taught in all our schools and institutions of learning. The young should 
read it as they read the story of Bunker Hill and Saratoga, of Valley Forge 
and Yorktown. For surely a people taught the lesson our history teaches 
of perseverance and fortitude, of dauntless courage, of self-denying devotion 
to country and the love of freedom — taught to revere the memory of the 
fathers and emulate their virtues, though reverses may come, and war, pes- 
tilence and famine may devastate the land, and wealth take to itself wings 
and fly, for them there is always hope! Though cast down, they can never 
be utterly castaway! They will rise again! Another Alamo or Goliad, 
should such befall, will surely be followed by the great deliverance of a not 
less glorious San Jacinto ! 

But I must hasten on. It was as I have said, one of the first cares of the 
first Congress of the Republic to fix the permanent location of the seat of 
government. A commission was created that, like Joshua's messengers, 
was to pass through the land and describe it. After passing to and fro, this 
commission reached the spot upon which " this city hath her pleasant seat." 
And here they beheld a land of such rare beauty, such adaptation to the 
object of their search, that they determined to rest here and fix upon this 
hill as the site of the future capitol. It was in truth a scene of rare loveli- 
ness upon which they looked. Splendid as your city is to-day, with its ele- 
gant residences and beautiful gardens, its stately warehouses and public 
buildings, its numerous churches, whose graceful spires point to heaven, I 
doubt whether it will bear comparison with the enchanting scene as it broke 
upon the delighted eyes of the explorers. Nestled here amid the hills, in 
all the wild luxuriance and beauty of nature, to them every hill seemed a 
flower-crowned Ida, and every valley as the vale of Tempe. . 



25 

The selection made by the commission was immediately adopted by Cofi- 
gress, and twice since then the people of Texas, at popular elections, have 
ratified the happy choice. 

The convention of 1875 made provision for the building of the capitol, 
setting apart three millions of acres of the public domain for that purpose. 
The Legislature of 1879 authorized the immediate erection of the building, 
and a board was created, at the head of which was the Governor of the 
State, to determine upon the plan of the work, and contract for its execu- 
tion. 

A leading idea with the commission was the construction of the capitol 
upon a scale commensurate with the vast extent of the State and its increas- 
ing population, its resources and their future development. Their design 
was that it should be worthy the State, that its dimensions should embrace 
ample room and verge enough for the accommodation of all the officers of 
the State doing business at the capital, its Legislature and its supreme judi- 
ciary, and for the transaction of the public business ; that it should preclude 
the idea of the removal of the seat of government or a division of the State, 
as acts of stupendous folly. They invited plans and designs for the build- 
ing from the most 'accomplished architects of the Union, and from many 
submitted to them of rare excellence, they selected one which for adapted- 
ness to the uses of the State, admirable proportions and magnificence, is 
unrivalled in any capitol of any State in the Union. 

Here its broad foundations have been laid deep and sure. To-day we 
witness the laying of its corner stone. 

Let its proud walls ascend in the strength of granite and enduring marble. 
Let it rise in all the amplitude of its fair proportions, in all the magnificence 
and grandeur of the splendid design, column and arch and expanded dome, 
a symbol of the magnitude and magnificence of the State, and a fitting mon- 
ument to the pioneer fathers who founded it. 

And while one stone remains upon another, let its lofty halls bear witness 
to the presence of a patriotism as devoted, a wisdom as exalted, an integrity 
as incorruptible as that displayed in the humble capitols of the Republic. 

What grander destiny can we wish for it? 

When in the far ages the future generations of Texans shall come up to 
this capital city and turn their eyes to this hill, and look up to the splendid 
edifice which shall crown it, let them behold, waving from the flagstaff of 
the capitol in the azure air, as it waved above the din and smoke of San Ja- 
cinto, the banner of the single star, not alone a memento of the heroism of 
the fathers, but the symbol of a united, undivided Texas. 

I cannot speak without an emotion of intense aversion of the division of 
the State. It is not a Texan thought. It is not native here, nor to the 
manner born. It has no place in any patriot's breast. 

It is v'ain to urge the distance from the borders to the capital as a reason 
for it. The iron bands which tie together the remotest counties of the State, 
the rushing cars which, for the eager traveler, annihilate time and space, 
the electric wires which carry the voices of the most distant inhabitants of 
the land, render such a deed an act of unnecessary folly. The very walls 
of the capitol cry out against it ! 

Vain, too, is the idea that in the diversity of our interests a reason can be 



^8 

fouhd for a division of the State. It has been as it were a nursing mother 
to the interests of all the people. It offers an open field for the exercise of 
all honest industries, and encourages all. It has oppressed no man. It 
denies no man justice. It infringes no man's privileges. It provides free 
common schools and a free university for all its children. It protects mar- 
ried women in their rights of property, and first of all the States it has thrown 
the protection of the laws over the homesteads of families, securing them 
against improvidence or misfortune. It has founded asylums for the blind, 
the deaf and dumb and the insane. Its munificence has been unbounded. 
Oh! from all the children, the widows and the wives and families, from all 
the poor and afflicted of the land, daily should the prayer ascend: " God 
save the State," and let all the people say. Amen ! 

Vainer yet the imagination, that in increased representation and the influ- 
ence of more senators in Congress, compensation will be found for the in- 
creased taxation, and the waste of wealth, in the support of more State gov- 
ernments, the building of more State capitols. It is not so. To divide the 
influence of Texas among many States is to diminish the influence of all. A 
division would be full of danger to the Union, the rights of the States, the 
liberties of the people. For if danger should ever tlireaten these, it will 
surely come from the perhaps natural tendency of the Federal Government 
to centralize, to draw to itself and absorb all the powers of government, and 
make the several States mere counties of the nation. To effect such a result 
there is no surer way than to divide the States. To divide is to conquer. 
The strength of the Union is not in the number of States which compose it, 
but in the strength of the great States, the strong pillars which uphold it. 

But it is not alone extent of territory, fellow-citizens, nor teeming popula- 
tion, nor hills or valleys, nor lakes or rivers, nor populous cities, which con- 
stitute this State. Its glorious history, the memory of its patriots and heroes, 
its hallowed spots, the scenes of its martyrdoms and its triumphs — these are 
a part of the State. They are the common property of all the people, and 
how shall we divide them? 

Shall we tear the pages which record the glorious past and deal out to 
each new State a particular leaf ? 

And of Its great names, how shall we apportion to each its interest in the 
illustrious catalogue? 

And the fields of her fame — Gonzales and Goliad and Bexar, the Alamo 
and San Jacinto — all consecrated ground ! Can we partition these and allot 
to each a separate shrine? 

Divide the State ! 

Oh ! dumb forever be the tongue would utter the sacrilegious word ! 
Withered the hand would sever her broad domain ! 

Veterans ! pioneer fathers of Texas ! Beyond the common period of life, 
your years have been prolonged' to see this day, to exult with us in the 
amazing progress of the State you won from the wilderness. And now that 
you have beheld its glory, you are ready, like old Zacheus, to depart in 
peace. For you the journey of life is well nigh ended, and its sun is set- 
ting. You approach the bank of the final river and walk thoughtful on its 
silent shore. But for you, after a life well spent, there rests no gloom upon 
its waves, no shadow on its tide. Looking beyond, you catch, perchance, 



'2§ 

some giimpses of the dawn in the better land, where soon a more effulgent 
lustre shall light the coming day. Listening you hear faint murmurs of its 
harmony and see the waving tops of the eternal trees, and lo! upon the 
other shore your comrades stand to welcome you. 

Pass on ! venerable men. Full soon you will cross over and rest under 
the shade of the trees. 

And believe this, that while patriotism and virtue are esteemed among 
men, your names will be honored and your worth kept in remembrance by 
tie people of the land you redeemed, the State you founded! 

During the delivery of his address Judge Quinan was frequently inter- 
•rupted by the applause of the vast audience before him, which swelled into 
rapturous enthusiasm when he declaimed so eloquently against the division 
of Texas, and the eyes of more than one old veteran were dimmed with tears 
when the speaker so feelingly pictured the closing scenes of their heroic 
lives. When Judge Quinan had resumed his seat, Mr. Chairman Woold- 
ridge, with a few appropriate remarks, introduced the distinguished scholar, 
statesman and jurist, Colonel Frank B. Sexton, of Marshall, Masonic Grand 
Orator of the Day, who delivered the following address : 

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brethren and Fellow-Citizens — 
History furnishes no grander illustration of American en'erprise and progress 
than the surrounding scenes and circumstances of this day. Littles less 
than fifty years ago, Stephen F. Austin, having been betrayed and impris- 
oned in Mexico, returned home disappointed and weary with fruitless efforts 
to restore the constitution of 1824, which had been overthrown by the am- 
bition and perfidy of Santa Anna. About the same time, Lorenzo de Za- 
valla, who had faithfully labored toward the same end with Austin, stopped 
in Texas on his return from France. Both these talented and patriotic men 
advised the handful of delegates who assembled at San Felipe, representing 
the few and scattered people of Texas, that t'ley had nothing to hope from 
Mexico; to resist further encroachments from Santa Anna, and to stake 
their fortunes on war! Strong as must have been their faith and hope in 
the ultimate success of republican liberty, they could hardly have dreamed 
that within half a century the State of their adoption would have attained 
such magnificent proportions as we realize in Texas to-day. 

When Houston and Rusk led the skirmish line of Texan soldiers to vic- 
tory at San Jacinto, and, in a conflict of a few minutes, vanquished the 
Napoleon of the West, their most enthusiastic imagination did not fore- 
shadow the present condition of the Republic whose freedom they and their 
followers then achieved. 

On this, above all other occasions, we should gratefully and reverentially 
remember the pioneers, heroes and martyrs of our infant Republic. Those 
who penetrated the untrodden wilderness, who traversed our boundless 
prairies, endured the hardships and privations of frontier life, and drove 
back the hostile savage, laid the foundation of popular government broad 
and deep throughout this wide extended territory, else we had not been 
here to-day to lay the cornerstone of this capitol. The martyrs of the Alamo 
and Goliad, the heroes of Nacogdoches, San Jacinto and Neches poured 
out their blood to plant, support and extend the principles of rational and 
constitutional liberty, the fruition of which we now see in the peace, comfort 



30 

and substantial happiness of two millions of people. Let us drop a tedf id 
the memory of those who are dead ; all honor to the few who still live. 

It will be surprising, and profitable as well, to think of the early begin- 
nings of Texas. A few thousand people, from every State of the American 
Union ; from every Empire, Kingdom, State, Province and Principality of 
Europe; from the isles of the sea and the despotisms of the orient; differ- 
ing in early education, habits and traditions ; differing in language, pur- 
poses and modes of thought ; many inspired by love of adventure ; the ma- 
jority even doubtfully agreeing with one another except in the desire to im- 
prove their own condition, to establish free goverRuient and to repel the 
advancement of Mexican tyranny and degradation. These considerations, 
with a sense of common danger, produced the Declaration of Independence 
at San Felipe on the second day of March, 1836, and that was followed by 
the organization of the government of the Republic of Texas, the victory of 
San Jacmto, and the acknowledgement of Texan independence by the most 
powerful and respectable nations of the earth. But then, Texas had nothing 
but the form — the mere skeleton of a government. ' Settlements were few, 
at remote points and at magnificent distances. The departments of govern- 
ment were organized and ofificers appointed, but their duties were almost 
nominal. Pre"^ious to the inauguration of President Houston, in October, 
1836, there was but one common law judge in the Republic. A large, pow- 
erful and hostile army, led by ofificers whose names in those days were 
synonyms for treachery, cruelty and hate, environed us on the West. On 
the North and East, intermixed among our own people, were the Indians, a 
still more fearful foe, exasperated as they were by having been, wrongly as 
they alleged, driven from their homes and hunting grounds in the Southern 
and Southwestern States of the American Union. We had no money. We had 
no credit with nations or banking corporations. Only a few large-hearted 
individuals pledged their private fortunes to help us in our struggle for inde- 
pendent existence. What were our resources? We had a territory larger 
than the entire area of Great Britain ; four times and more as large as the 
largest State in the American Union ; soil as fertile as the valley of the Nile ; 
pastures large enough to graze the cattle of a continent, and a climate 
balmy and salubrious as was ever warmed or lighted by an Italian sun. We 
needed only men, "high minded men," with honest hearts and strong 
arms. To these, our resources were most attractive. The love of property 
in land has always been a distinguishing characteristic of the Anglo-Saxon ; 
a still greater distinguishing characteristic of theAnglo-American. Our early 
legislators manifested much wisdom in offering lands to immigrants on most 
liberal terms. The country rapidly settled up, with all sorts of people it is 
true, but principally with those who came to cultivate the land, to make 
homes for themselves and their children. 

It is a fact, too conspicuous to be overlooked on such an occasion as this, 
that a vast majority of the early settlers of Texas, of those who laid the 
foundations of our present prosperity, who "subdued the wilderness" and 
" made glad the solitary place," who stood on outpost duty while villages 
and towns and cities were growing up, were farmers. It can hardly be 
otherwise in a new country. The pioneers of enterprise, of innovation, of 
civilization and improvement are men who hold or direct the plow or wield 



31 

the axe. Warriors, military leaders, orators and statesmen are powerless, if 
not valueless, unless followed and upheld by farmers. 

' Princes and lords may flourish or may fa<lf , 
A breath oan make them, as a broatli has made. 
But a b«ld peasantry, tlieir country's pride, 
When once destroyed can never be supplied." 

Let us hope that our law-makers will ever keep this fact of Texan history 
in mind. Neither farmers nor the interests of farmers require any special 
legislation, as all class legislation is contrary to true republican spirit. But, 
I submit, that legislators would do well to consider carefully, if measures 
confessedly designed to encourage and protect other interests are not often 
times unjust and oppressive in their tendencies and effects upon the tillers 
of the soil. The history of Texas is one continued demonstration of the 
proposition that good crops are the backbone of all material prosperity. 

But all classes of people came to Texas ; men of every rank in social 
standing, of every degree of intelligence, of every calling, trade and profes- 
sion, and all seemed imbued with the irrepressible "audacity," which a dis- 
tinguished French agitator regarded as the vital element of success in any 
undertaking. This soon developed a restless energy and activity which 
opened farms, built up towns, churches, schoolhouses and the concomitant 
institutions of well-ordered society. 

When the site of this city was marked out, the foot of civilized man had 
scarcely trod this beautiful valley, and the surrounding mountains were 
alike, the home of the buffalo, the wild deer and the Comanche. The first 
Congress which assembled here was notified by the President of Texas, in 
his annual message, that they were called on to legislate "almost within 
hearing of the Indian war whoop!" A few framed houses, built of lumber 
hauled by wagons from Bastrop and Eastern Texas, together with a few log 
•abins, furnished the public buildings of the government, while the structures 
of the town for residence and business were few and difficult to find, not 
ostentatious in style, and of an order in architecture not yet defined or 
classified. Members of Congress had to come here then on horseback. 
With most of them the trip was tedious, dreary and fatiguing. With some 
it was a three weeks journey, over unfrequented roads, and sometimes ob- 
scure trails, with swollen streams unbridged, rivers without ferries, which 
had to crossed on rafts hastily "gotten up for the occasion." 

How marked ! how wonderful is the contrast of circumstances under 
which the Nineteenth Legislature have assembled in this flourishing city, 
and are here to witness the laying of the comer stone of one of the grandest 
and most magnificent State houses on the American continent. From every 
part of our wide State, from our beautiful city by the sea to the Panhandle, 
from the Sabine to the Rio Grande, comes up the sound of active, busy life. 
On the uplands of the East, where "the troubled winds of heaven moan 
through the lofty pine tops," on the alluvion embordering the sea shore, in 
the river valleys and rich prairies of the middle, on the gigantic pastures and 
mines and mountains of the North and West, are to be seen the footprints of 
labor, constant, persevering labor. Every product which grows and bears 
fruit by the nourishment of the ground and its cultivation, every flower that 
blooms, can be found in some part of Texas. Whatever contributes to the 
wants, the comfort, the happiness and improvement of man, can be success- 



32 

fully pursued in Texas. Railroads traverse the entire State and bind the 
different sections together in an indissoluble net work of intercourse, interest, 
good will and progress. The members of the present Legislature, with a 
few exceptions, came (or could have come) from their homes to the capital 
in less than forty-eight hours. And this city! Compared with Austin of 
1839! Then, a collection of miserable huts and block houses. Now, a 
city, indeed, sitting in one of the loveliest valleys of the Colorado, like a 
very ([ueen reposing in the midst of her dominions, overshadowed by the 
grandest mountains, as if they were watchful of her safety, and protecting 
her from danger. Its almost poetic location, its grand and picturesque sur- 
roundings ; its spacious avenues ; the splendid buildings and elegant homes 
which adorn its hills ; its almost uninterrupted health, and its practically 
central position fully vindicate the good judgment of those who selected it 
for our State capitol. Alreadv the most beautiful city in the State — equal in 
prosperity to any, where so many are prosperous — it is destined to a brighter 
future and more vigorous growth. Language fails to picture, even in imag- 
ination, the lofty proportions, the architectural splendor and durability of 
the edifice which is to rise upon the foundations before us. It is meet and 
right that such a State as Texas should have such a cai)itol. 

In the brief retrospect just gone over, there is much which should make 
us profoundly thankful to Him who governs the destinies of nations and of 
men. Let us invoke His blessing fo*- the future. Let us hope that in our new 
capitol only good and wise laws will be made by good and wise men ; that 
the demagogue of whatever degree may never enter its chambers. May this 
beautiful city and this splendid edifice, just begun, be always the capi'al 
and the State house of this grand State in all its wide extent and varied do- 
main, united in history and tradition, in sympathy and welfare, one and 
undivided, till time shall be no more! — [Loud and prolonged applause.] 

In referring to the progress of Texas, we should not forget that it is at 
least doubtful if, in one respect, any has been made. I refer to the wisdom, 
patriotism and fidelity to principle of our early legislators and public men. 
I trust, I fully believe, that m these respects we have not retrograded; biit 
I doubt if the world's history affords an instance where those having charge 
of the political structure of a new State enacted more wholesome laws or 
inaugurated a sounder public policy than the early legislators of Texas. It 
would be paying a high tribute to the honorable gentlemen of the Nineteenth 
Legislature to say that they, under similar circumstances, and environed 
with like dif^icul'ies and embarrassments, would have done as well as the 
Congress of 1839 or 1842. 

Various causes worked together in producing the wonderful changes 
which occurred in the half century of progress which has been briefly re- 
viewed. A very few only can be noticed. For myself, I hesitate not to 
avow my conviction that much of it is due to the unseen hand of an Omnis- 
cient and Overruling Providence, whose power and influence upon the 
affairs of nations no really wise or great man has yet disowned. 

A combination of ambition, courage, industry, integrity and energy, hap- 
pily characterized by the word " enterprise " was unquestionably the funda- 
mental active cause of such great res dts. The spirit of enterprise pervades 
the immigrant and the settler of all new countries. It is well that it is so. 



It settled and peopled the American continent. It's half century's work in 
Texas is before you. 

But there are other moral and intellectual agencies which have been pow- 
erful and indispensable allies to the spirit of enterprise, without whose aid 
the progress of Texas would have been much less, if not quite inconsider- 
able. The most important among them are religion, education and legisla — 
tion. Of these agencies a German philosopher and an American senator 
have well said that they are "three great corporations into which the whole 
of human society may be resolved." By religion, it can be hardly neces- 
sary to say, and yet it may be well to say, that the dogmas of denominations 
and sects, the bigotry and cruelty of priesthood, the bitterness of name«, 
forms and ceremonies, are not meant. I mean religion, in that broad and 
catholic sense which includes the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of 
man ; which recognizes man's moral responsibility for his conduct not only 
to human law, but to Him who is the founder of all law as well. This is 
recognized by all governments. It includes not merely organized churches, 
all of whom, I believe, were represented in the progress of Texas and who 
were earnest workers for the general good, as well as for the propagation of 
their own tenets, but it comprehends likewise all associations and fraterni- 
ties which take God as the foundation of obligation to human duty, and to 
inculcate as a duty that man should help his brother man. Chief among 
these is the time-honored fraternity who will to-day put in place the corner 
stone of the new capitol of Texas, in accordance with their ancient and im- 
memorial usages. It is within the personal knowledge of hundreds who 
hear me — I trust I will be pardoned for saying it is within my own — that in 
the moral, material and social development of Texas during the past fifty 
years there has been no more potent factor than the fraternity of Ancient 
Free and Accepted Masons. Our Masonic altars were erected by the camp- 
fire of the immigrant, in the log cabin of the frontiersman, and in every 
neighborhood where men, who were strangers as to previous acquaintance 
but known to each other as Masons, met. Brotherly love, relief and truth 
were our teachings ; assistance, benevolence and charity were our practices. 
. Who can measure the good influence exerted in the upbuilding of a new 
State by an institution organized like ours, in teaching such doctrines and 
practicing such principles? I speak by the card when I say that a majority 
of the early public men of Texas, of those who shaped her political destiny, 
were members of the fraternity. There are many yet living who know, as I 
do, of instances where the law and its officers would have been powerless to 
suppress social disorder, and to prevent violence and bloodshed without the 
moral influence and active aid of the society of Free Masons . Silently, 
unostentatiously, often imperceptibly to any but its own, it has worked in 
subduing passion, relieving suffering, and leading men from the path 6f evil 
to the way of right. Its power has been felt in every pulsation of the on- 
ward progress of this great State. It is eminently proper that the Free 
Masons of Texas, with their honored Grand Master at their head, should be 
here to-day. They have labored for the State's welfare, they rejoice in its 
prosperity, they are ready to defend the Lone Star flag, whenever and 
wherever it may be flung to the breeze, and they will discharge all the duties 
of good citizens whenever and wherever called on. 



34 

Education early received the attention of the legislators of Texas and 
liberal provisions were made in its behalf. For a long time, owing to extent 
of territory and sparseness of population, these yielded no immediate or 
practical benefits. Recently a system of public education has been put into 
operation in the State, which it is hoped will result in the elementary instruc- 
tion of the children of our people. Instruction by the State is yet greatly a 
matter of experiment, and the question of whether it is a duty of the State 
or the parent is not yet fully decided. •Public opinion, however, is so 
strongly set in favor of its being a j^ublic duty, that the people will have the 
experiment fully and fairly tested. Every good man must desire its.succeas. 

The State University, a part of the system of pul)lic instruction-, though 
founded by the munificent provisions of the Fathers of the Republic, and 
assisted by very liberal measures of recent legislation, is still a struggling in- 
fant. Let us give it every reasonable and fair encouragement, so that our 
^oung men and women may receive at home the higher and more thorough 
instruction which now they must go abroad to obtain. Let us make it a 
home institution — a university, in fact, worthy of the past history and future 
prospects of our great State. 

If we hope for progress in the next half century commensurate with that 
of the past, we shall be indebted for it to the same influences and agencies 
which have wrought for us thus far. The spirit of enterprise, with all that it 
involves and includes, together with the three great agencies already referred 
to, must be allowed free scope and given every proper security and encour- 
agement. Religion and education go hand in hand, and they precede 
legislation. This is important to be remembered. Legislatures are, or 
should be, made of those only who have been prepared by previous intelli- 
gence and moral training. And here I venture to suggest, in the presence 
of our law-makers, that any system of public instruction which seeks to train 
the mind only, and ignores the human heart, must necessarily be worse than 
a failure. Intellectual instruction and development are valuable, but, if un- 
accompanied by moral mstruction they strengthen the mind for vice and 
render it powerful for evil. Education, which under the specious plea of an 
enlarged liberty of consciedce, fails to teach man his moral duties and obli- 
gations, to enlighten him as to his responsibility, both present and future, 
for his own conduct, is not dangerous simply ; it is pernicious. It may 
meet the vitiated fancies of a sublime egotism, which can see nothing beyond 
or greater than itself, but it will not do for statesmen, philosophers or legis- 
lators, who really have the welfare of the people at heart. 

It is easy to see that legislation will be good or bad according to the moral 
and intellectual development of the public mind. Nothing, then, can be 
more important ; no higher object can enlist the thought and care of philan- 
thropists and public teachers than the moral arid intellectual training of our 
youth. 

In the path of the incoming half century may be seen some dangers of 
which prudence admonishes us to be watchful. Popular free government 
rests upon the intelligence, integrity, and moderation of the people. Dem- 
agogues are the conspicuous dangers of such governments. They have no 
motive of action but their own promotion, and they take delight in creating 
and aggravating differences and xintagonisras among the constituent elejnents 

i 



35 

of' society, and arraying each against the other. Inequalities in fortune, in 
social tastes and intelligence, have always existed — probably always will — 
but they do not aftect liberty of thought or action, nor do they impair any 
just or legal right. The antidote to the poison which demagogues infuse 
into free institutions is just and equal laws for all, equally and impartially 
administered ; the encouragement and protection of honesty, the discour- 
agement and punishment of corruption. Above all, try to keep the people 
pure. It is a maxim, demonstrated to be true by experience, that when the 
people become corrupt free government: dies. 

There is just now a fearful cloud hovering around the harizon of free gov- 
ernment in other States. How soon it may darken our sky we know not. 
It is the conflict between capital largely aggregated in single hands, or asso- 
ciated capital in corporations, and labor. It presents a problem for legisla- 
tors and professors in moral science very difficult of solution. It cannot be 
disposed of in a single sentence by a flippant tongue or a trenchant pen. 
All that can be suggested is prudence, forbearance, patience. There is and 
should be no necessary antagonism between capital and labor. They are 
intended to be and should be mutual helps. Each has a mission to fulfill, 
and it should be honestly done. Capital ought not to be overreaching, op- 
pressive or unreasonable. Labor should not be unjust. By all means let us 
not fall in with the disastrous notion that the conflict can be wiped out by 
multiplying policemen or standing armies. They may wipe it out, but the^ 
will bring in its stead the far grfe'ater curse of strong consolidated central 
despotism, which strangles, when it touches republican freedom. Many 
think Texas in special danger because we have invited foreign capital and 
foreign corporations to build our railways and have given them much of our 
public domain It is even feared that they may shape our legislation and 
exact unjust tribute from our people. 1 think the danger overstated. Yet 
it may exist, and therefore the greater the necessity for vigilance and pru- 
dence. It is true we have in various ways and for various purposes gotten 
rid of all our land, but we are constantly acquiring a population of indus- 
trious and thrifty habits. It cannot be gainsaid that our great highways 
contribute much to our wealth, prosperity and convenience. Let us be just 
tQ the corporations who have invested their capital in our State, and we can 
compel them to be just to us. Let us "do nothing but what is right, and 
submit to nothing that is wrong." 

If Texans desire, as none should doubt that they do, the steady and 
healthy growth of the State, they must cherish an honest State pride. This 
has always been and always will be commended and encouraged by 
just and thinking people. Cannot Texas and her people do as well as any 
other State or people in all the fields and departments of labor and enter- 
prise? We believe that they can, and the lessons we read in their past 
history justify the belief. Let us all hope for and labor toward this end. 
As already suggested, let the idea of dividing the State never find encour- 
agement. [Cheers and applause.] The pine woods are interested in the 
prairies and the prairies in the pine woods. The sugar and cotton of the 
South and Middle are intested in the cattle and grain of the West and 
North. All are interested in the vast mineral resources of the Northwest. 
The products of our soil and of our varied industries are demanded by the 



1^6 1 

markets of all the world. We should never forget the singleness of purpose, 
devotion and sacrifices of our fathers who gave us this great inheritance and 
whose earnest desire was to see it remain one in territory, interest and des- 
tiny. [Renewed applause.] 

Besides the names already mewtioned, we are following up the work of 
Burnet and Lamar, the VVhartons and Jacks, of Jones, Henderson and Van 
Zandt, of Albert Sydney Johnson and James H. Starr, and many others. 
Let us never tear in pieces the fabric which they erected ; for the preserva- 
tion of which Travis, Crockett, Bowie, Milam, Fannin, and their comrades 
died ; on which so many of their successors have builded wisely and well. 
We have resources which can make us equal in population and material 
wealth to any of our sister States. In developing these, let us take care to 
keep pari passim in the growth of moral right and intellectual strength, the 
vital germs of popular liberty 1 

The future is unknown. While desiring the prosperity of our sister States, 
let .us resolve that, come what may, Texas shall be the happiest, the 
grandest and the mightiest of American States. And at the end of the next 
half-century, when this anniversary shall be celebrated, may he who shall 
speak from the colonade of this capitol point to a progress of fifty years from 
this beginning far greater, grander and nobler than Texas has already 
achieved. May he then behold a State imperial in the extent of her terri- 
tory, free from internal strife, with millions of peaceful, contented and noble 
people. No government can accomplish more. No higher destiny can be 
desired ! 

Colonel Sexton took his seat amidst the hearty applause which frequently 
greeted him during the delivery of his very excellent address. After him 
the announcement was made that Colonel VVm. L. Crawford, of Dallas, who 
had been selected to deliver the closisg address, had telegraphed that he 
was prevented from being present to comply with the request on account of 
urgent professional engagements. This announcement caused great disap- 
pointment, as everyone present was anxious to hear this talented gentlemen 
and gifted orator. 

The orations of the day having been concluded, acting Grand Master 
Coombes, assisted by the proper grand officers, already mentioned in this 
report, proceeded to place the corner stone in its proper position. This 
rite was performed according to all the beautifully appropriate and time- 
honored usages of the Masonic order. The various articles for deposit were 
received and placed in the tin box provided for their reception ; the mas- 
sive stone was slowly lowered until it rested firmly upon its foundation base, 
there to remain till the ebbing tide of Time shall commingle its last receding 
wave with the ocean of Eternity. 

By direction of the Grand Master, Sir Kt. John O. Johnson, Grand Mar- 
shal, made the following proclamation : 

* ' In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted 
Masons, of the State of Texas, I proclaim that the comer stone of the new 
capitol of the State of Texas has this day been found square, level and 
plumb — true and trusty — and laid according to our ancient customs, by the 
Grand Master of Masons," 

The Grand Master then announced that the Masonic ceremonies were 



37 

concluded, when Mr. Chainnan Wooldridge presented the Reverend J. W, 
Whipple, of Travis county, a Texas veteran pioneer in Methodism, who 
pronounced a briel but solemn benediction, and the multitude quietly dis- 
persed. 

It is proper here to remark that before and after each address the Man- 
ning Rifle« and Prussian military bands discoursed some stirring and in- 
spiring music, including national airs, and during the ceremonies the Travis 
Light Artillery, Captain Walter Swain commanding, fired a salute of forty- 
n^ne guns, commemorative of the forty-ninth anniversary of Texan Inde- 
pendence. 

The comer stone is made of the Burnet granite— (shame on the Nine- 
teenth Legislature for not requiring the entire structure to be built of the 
same material) — and is, with pardonable pride in all of "us TSxans," 
looked upon as the most beautiful corner stone on the continent. Its 
weight is about 16,000 pounds, as it now rests in position. It was quarried 
and brought to Austin under the personal supervision of ex-Sheriff Ed Creary, 
of this city. Sixteen yoke of oxen were required to haul the stone from the 
granite quarries to the railroad depot in the city of Burnet. As a *' Texas 
bull whacker" Captain Ed aays he is not altogether a success. The tedious 
and difficult task of shaping, dressing, polishing and engraving this massive 
piece of granite was accomplished by two expert artisans, brought here from 
New York especially for the work, which was. done under the immediate 
watchful care of Mr. Wilke, sub-contractor for building the capitol. Steam 
appliances were required in the execution of the labor. How well and per- 
fectly it was done, let the comer stone speak for itself. On the eastern front 
we see the Texas coat-of-arms — a lone star, encircled by a wreath of live oak 
and mezquit leaves, around which appear the words, " The State of Texas." 
On the left of this is engraved the historic date, *' March a, 1836," and on 
the right appears, " March 2, 1885." On the side facing north are cut the 
words, "Commenced February i, 1882." The large box containing the 
deposits was inscribed with the patriotic words — which found an echo in the 
heart of every true Texan present — ' ' One Texas. ' ' 

The following is a translation of an address, written in Spanish, by that 
noble old border friend of Texas, General Santos Benavides, of Laredo, 
contributed by him for the Occasion. '* Don Santos," as his legion of ad« 
miring friends throughout Texas are wont to call him, has distinguished 
himself on the field and in the councils of his native State he loves so well. 
But hear him : • 

Fellow-Citizbns, Ladies and Gentlemen — The destiny of a people is 
largely determined by their political condition, and it was the good fortune 
of the great and fertile territory of Texas to settle permanently under the 
protection of the magnificent banner of the stars, for, as a legitimate out- 
come and, indeed, as the very fmit of the views and impulses which actuated 
Houston and his illustrious confreres, seconded by the earnest support and 
strong arm of the people, it ultinutdy became one of the States symbolized 
by that flag. 

It is now forty-nine years since the initiatory steps were taken toward this 
grand end, by a kand «f heroes who fought for the independence of Texas 



38 • ■ 

and announced the birth of a new nation upon the American continent, and 
who, after a long and sanguinary contest, established it as a recognized 
power, and guided its course thereafter until it reached its resting place as 
a glorious orb in the grand constellation of the great Republic of the United 
States of America. . i . 

Here are assembled many of her citizens, and I, her child, born on her 
soil, as were, also, my grandparents, who, in their day defended her out- 
posts from the incursions of savages, even as it fell to my lot, in common 
with many who still live, to oppose the raids of Indians and outlaws upon 
her borders in later years. We have gathered here not only to lay the 
corner stone of the new capitol of this great empire State, but to celebrate 
also the forty-ninth anniversary of its independence, and to note the attain- 
ments already reached in the upward tread of our ma'rch'toward that destiny 
to which the principles and views of the great founders of the nation lead — 
which principles underlaid the motives of our own great" men, and are the 
supports of our liberties to-day. ■ ■ 

Behold the deep foundations prepared! See the solid rock and the 
abundant material brought together ! Look around upon the vast concourse 
of people who add to the lustre of this gala day ! What do these great 
preparations signify? and what does this large assembly indicate? Let me 
answer: The abundance of the resources of this great comnK)n wealth, and, 
in a human sense, the source of its power. 

Texas has attained high position, and, therefore, her people in harmonious 
unity lay the foundation of her capitol deeply, broadly, solidly and cen- 
trally ; and thus proclaim and prophecy t'lfe strength and indivisibility of the 
State — every inch of which, from the spot where we now stand to the re- 
motest points on the frontier — is as dear to them, ar.d as fondly cherished 
as it was by those honored men whos^ dust and bones rest within these 
grounds. 

Here we renew our vows, relying upon the strength of God, the maker 
and upholder of all, to maintain the integrity and dignity of this great State, 
and transmit to our posterity, unimpaired, the noble heritage our fathers 
won. Upon this solemn occasion we pay a just tribute to the virtues and 
glory of the heroes of Texas and, in'the house to be here built as the resi- 
dence of the government, we erect a monument to their memory. 

And now, three cheers for the great State of Texas, which, by the senti- 
ment of its people, is one and indivisible! Three cheers for the men and 
the day we celebrate, and may the legislation of their successors, who shall 
assemble in the New Capitol, honor their memorj'! 

The following letter will explain itself : 

Austin, March 2, 1885. 

Hon. Santos Benavides, Laredo : 

Mv Dear Sir — Your address came duly to hand and I with much pleasure 
had it read and filed with the papers. It was appreciated and much hon- 

I remain, yours truly, ; 

J. A. Hooper. 

In concluding this report, somewhat imperfect thought it be — because 



39 

memory has failed to supply more reliable data, once obtained but after- 
wards lost — the compiler must again beg the lenient criticism of his readers 
for any errors of omission or commission. He would that it were otherwise. 
He desires, in this public manner, to return his heartfelt thanks to the many 
committeemen with whom he had official relations during the three months 
he was employed as their secretary, for their uniform kindness and courtesy. 
Especially would he mention Messrs. W. C. Walsh, A. P. Wooldridge, 
John H. Houghton, H. E. Shelley, J. A. Hooper, W. H. King, Z. T. Ful- 
more, Wm. P. Gaines, C. E. Anderson and F. M. Maddox, for valuable aid 
and assistance in the discharge of his duties. Hearty thanks are due, and 
returned, the newspapers of Austin for their active co-operation at all times, 
and in this connection the staff and press correspondents stationed at the 
capital, also Manager Pillow and Miss Carrie Pickle, of the Western Union 
Telegraph, are kindly remembered; nor can he omit to mention the job 
printing houses of B. R. Warner & Co. and E. W. Swindells, who executed 
all the work in their line necessary for the grand enterprise. To one and 
all, many thanks. 

Quoting from one of the distinguished orators of they day — Judge Quinan 
— his burning words are adopted and re-echoed : 

"Divide the State! Oh! dumb forever be the tongue would utter 
the sacrilegious word ! Withered the hand would sever her broad domain !" 




THE DEPOSITS. 



Following will be found the official list of articles deposited in the coracr 
stone, kindly furnished by Hon. Frank R. Lnbbock, chairman of the com- 
mittee on Deposits : . 

Autograph letters from Sam Houston, written in 1848, ThoB. J. Rusk, writ- 
ten in 1850, A. S. Ruthven, written in 1851, F. W. Johnson, written 1860, M. 
^L Potter, written in 1848, David 8. Kaoftnan, written in 1840; proceedings 
of Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the [Republic of Texas, A. D. 184-6, by 
Mrs. Adolphus Sterne, (who has lived in Texas since 1828) and her daughters, 
Mrs. Eugenia Barrett and Mrs. W. A. Ryan. 

Photographs of Chief Justice A. H. Willie, Associate Justice J. W. Stayton, 
Associate Justice C. S. West, of the Supreme Court. Presiding Judge R. S, 
Walker, Judge A. T. Watts, Judge W. S. Delany, of the Commission of 
Appeals. Presiding Judge John P. White, Judge J. M. Hutt, Judge Sam A. 
Willson, of the Court of Appeals, hermetically sealed and bonnd in copper 
and tin, by Chas. S. Morse, Clerk Supreme Court. 

''Texas, a contribution of literature to the sealed chamber of the corner 
stone of the Capitol of Texas," by John Albert Murphy. 

"Bob Dean, a story of Texas Life," by a lady of Austin. 

One manual, minutes of State Grange, 1884, minutes of Texas co-operative 
associations. Patrons of Husbandry, 1884, digest of the laws of the order of 
Texas, a brief history of the order, its rise and progress, by D. Wyatt Aiken 
of South Carolina, seeds of wheat, corn, oats, barley, rye, sorghum, millet, 
and a variety of garden seed* and cotton, by A. J. Rose, Master of Texas 
State Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. 

Roll ol" Aiistin Hook and Ladder J^ire Company No. 1. 

Brief statistical account of the Swede Evangelical Lutheran congregation 
in Austin, with photo of church, by a Sabbath* school class, 14 boys 14 years 
of age. A 

Swindells' Texas Legislative Manual^ 1883, 1884, including Governors of 
Texas from 1661 to 1883, Spanish, Mexican, Texas Republic, (Sovemots since 
annexation, together with other valuable matter. 

Austrian, Chinese and German coins, Prossian and Buenos Ayres paper 
notes, by J. E. Keller, 

Old Texas treasury notes. Confederate notes, photojpraph of Jeff. Davis, 
Alex. Stevens, R. M. T, Hunter, by ex-Governor F. R,"Lubbock. 

Copy of Blunet Bulletin, of February 26, 1884, by M. A- Martin. 

One key-ring, by W. B. Wortham. 

In memoriam of counterfeit Mexican coin dollars, by J. H. Hutchins. 

Bible from American Bible Society, by Rev. W. B. ^ftankin, superintendent 
at Auj»tin. 

Copy of Galyeaton News, date March 1, 18^, by QfldTcstoa News, 



41 



Set of riirrency issued by Capital Business College Baak, aud peTwiolder. 
and cards ot exanimatu.n, copy of Men and Money? the colle^^e journal ' 

Photographs, by xMiss Simpson. ^ •' 

Olive leaf plucked from an Olive tree on Mount Zion. bv F. S Roberts 
, Secretary ot Austin Lodge, No. 12, A. F. and AM " 

f A.^R andTA?"''^'^ ''^''*''^' ^'^ ^' ^^ ^^''^'"' ^- ^^'- «^' H^^^ C'i^^' lodge, No. 456, 
. Five i>iece8 silver coin, by F. S. Roberts 

A list of the names of the taculty and pupils of the AusHn public fret- 
schools tor the vears 1884-5, with copy of rules and regulations, also photo- 
graph ot West Austin school buildino-.;. "^ ' -* ^' 
Plan and constitution of Texas Methodist Evangelical Aid 4ssociation 

B^:s:s;xyinu^^^^' ^^^^^ ^'-^ ^^-^^^ ^' ^--' ^^^■^^^^■ 

SnV^o/Vi&S'' ^T?"^' r ^^^^'f Kesources, etc., by Miss Brewster. 
Malone. Houston, by W. Carey Crane, presented by Rer. J. R. 

Texas Medical papers, by Drs. Daniels and Brooks. 

New Orleans-Times-Democrat, by Nerval Wilson. 

Several pieces coin and ore, by Dr. J. T. .Mathis. 
InftTuction '^^'^^^^^^^^^ ^y ^on. B. M. Baker, Superintendent of Public 

bandry!"" '''''^ ^'^'^"^^ ""^ ^'^^' Co-operative Association, Patrons of Hus- " 

List of members of Belton fire department. 

Coins, by W. J. Warren, of Paris, Lamar countv. 

Copy of oration deliA-ered by John Ireland on laAdng this corner stone 

Scroll of Phi Delta Theta, by J. W. Herndon. ^ ^ 

Coov'nf '' V '' ?*"? ""' P^i ?elta Theta, by Frank H. Raymond. 
Cop.i 01 p oT^v^vU,^ s^xniple Texas raised silk, bv Julius Sdiuetze. 

Book -??h;t4f. '^"^^'''^ *''^?V, '^^*^^^ ^"■-- 9' ^8*^2: by Capt. John Stringer. 
Book, Christian Sacrements," written bv Rev. 0. Fisher 
Corns, by Mrs. L. Warren. 
Tooth powders, by Dr. Stoddard. 
Hays County News, by W. B. Moore. 
LaGrange Journal, Flatonia Argus, bv W. F Uptoji 
Lngraved glass, by D. H. Hotchkiss. ' ? ' 

Roll of membership of Innocents Abroad, by W. H Stfjcv 
Data concerning City of Austin, by Mayor J. W. Robertson. 
Kyle '"'''' ''''''^ presented by Gen. Sam Houston to Miss Annie E. 

Photograph of Gen. W. P. Hardeman, by Mrs. H. 

History of the gavel used in laying the'coAior stone 

S*^i '^M*,*^*^ -^"stin Greys, on silk, bv the^companv. 

Holy Bilde, by Austin Bible Society. h- ' ^ ■ 

Fort Worth Gazette, by E. G. Senter, staff correspondent. 

-t^liotograph of Gen. Sam Houston, bv Mrs. Y. E Andrew^ 

Iwenty-five cent coin, by Morlev Bros. 

Silver dime, by W. J. and AY. P'. Moore 

Silver dime, by P. H. and E, C. Eogan. 

ptFZr^ «ie Baptist Herald of February 263I885, by J. B. Link, proprietor. 

from 1 Jt f ft } ^'T*^^ ??•?. '''''^- ^^'"^^^y «*' ^is connection with the art 
tiom 18o7 to date, by H. B. HiUyer, photogTapher 

Seeds of all kinds, by Col. Rose, Master of the State Grange, collected In- 
him, Judge A. S. Walker and the dailies of Austin. 



42 

List of officers aud uieuibers of Colorado Commandery No. 4 Knights 
Templar, March 2, 1885, with by-laws and charts, by D. W. Doom. E. C. 

By-laws aud charter of Lone Star Cliapter R. A. Masons. 

Box, by United Friends of Temperance, Council No. 311. 

Photograph of Jacob Bickler's school. 

Button-hole bouquet, banded by a gold ring in a velvet case, by Miss Bob- 
bie M. Wiloox. 

Austin City German papers. 

List of officers of M. W. Grand Lodge of Texas A. and F. Masons, officiat- 
ing at laying of the corner stone. 

United States half a dollar of 1808. 

Testament, by J. R. Jones, 

New Orleans Times-Democrat, by J. J. Lane. 
■ Armlet fastener, by ftL B. Tyler. 

List of costumes and fashions of the day, by Judge Joe Lee. 

Copy of Massachusetts Sun, date July 29, 1773, copy of Boston Gazette, 
date March 7, 1785, by Mrs. Jennie M. Seekatz. 

'•Austin City," a poem, by Mrs. M. E. Whitten. 

Articles of Incorporation of Austin City and Mount Bonnell Water Co., by 
J. B. Reinliardt. 

U. S. Standard silver dollar, by Victoria Rebecca DeLashmutt of Austin, 
aged 5 years. 

Argument of Ex-Goy. John C. Brown, of Tennessee, General Solicitor of 
the Missouri Pacific railway system, before the Texas Legislature ; copy of 
address of Gen. Beniu-ides. bv J. A. Hooper. 

F(nt Worth Gazette and Denison Herald. 

Copy of -'The Texiau," published at Austin, on March 2, 1885, by Wm. 
Neal Ramey, editor. 

List of the members of the Texas State Dental Association, one set upper 
artificial teeth, one jdaster model of an upper jaw, teeth tilled with gold, 
amalgum. tin, porcelain, cement and gutta percha, by Dr. R. E. Grant & Son. 

Proceedings Grand Lodge of Texas A. F. aud A. M., 1S8-1-, proceedings of 
Grand Commaudery K. T., by-laws aud roll of members Ruthven Command- 
ery iSio. 2, K. T , by-laws Holland Lodge, No. 1, A. F. and A. M., by-laws of 
Austin Loge, No. 12, A. F. and A. M., and roll of members of the same, by 
Jno. O. Johnson. 

Constitution and by-laws of the Sheriffs' Association of the State of Texas, 
by John P. Kirk, secretary. 

Fifty cent Trayis county warrant, 1862; by Master Louis Kirk. 

Twenty-fiye cent Travis county warrant, by Master Palmer Kirk. 

One dollar Travis county warrant, by Miss Lydia Kirk. 

Ten dollar Treasury warrant, 1862, b.y Fred A. Kirk, Tarrant county. 

A twenty dollar Confederate note, two one cent pieces, one Mexican two 
cent piece, by Edward Peterson. 

Nacogdoches News, San Augustine Herald, by Major T. J. Carroway. 

East Texas Pinery, by Dr. J. J. Canon. 

One nickel, by S. Bergman, of Moscow. 

Victoria penny, by J. A. Roosevelt, of Hempstead. 

One hnndied dollars. Confederate money, by Meyer Cohen, of Houston. 

Constitution and by-laws Hebrew Cougregration of Beth Israel, Constitu- 
tion and by-laws Young Men's Hebrew Association, constitution and by-laws 
Lone Star Lodge, No. 210, B'nai Biith, by Robt. Cohen, of Houston. 

Five himdred dollar Confederate bond, by Sam Sterne, of Houston. 

Texas Lodge, No. 45, A. 0. U. W., roll of officers aud members. 

Thrall's school history of Texas, by the aiithor. 



43 

Charter, members aud by-laws Loue Star Temple of Honor, No. 31, Gal- 
veston, by John Clougb, of Galveston. 

Galveston street car ticket, by Bernhard Miiller, of Galveston. 

Mexican silver live cent piece, by John Muller, of Galveston. 

Match box, containing roll of officers and membership of Eureka Council, 
No. 262, American Legion of Honor, with seal of Council attached, a copy of 
The Review, hy P. M. Cuuy. 

Roster of Teirell tire department, by Vic. Reinhar.dt, chief engineer. 

Members of Phoenix tire companv. No. 1 of Paris, Texas, by 0. C. Connor, 
chief. 

Ode to Texas, by a young lady. 

Copper })lale, wiili tjold pen attached, and some verses in Latin, by Judge 
A. \V. Terrell. The first verse sUites that when 0. M. Roberts was Governor the 
pen wrote the laws under which the State house is built, without taxation. The 
second verse slates that the pen wrote the huvs endowing the University; the 
third verse, that it worked for rebuilding asvlums on the neighboring hills ; 
the fourth, that the writer worked for Texas, not for fame, and rejoicing in 
silence among others, declined to scribble on the plate his name. 

Official documents, from the Department of State, by J. W. Baines, Secretary 
of State, viz: Message of his Excellency. J(»hn Ireland, Governor; report of 
J. W. Baines, Secretarv of State; report of VV. J. Swain, Comptroller of Public 
Accounts; report of F. R. lubbock. State Treasurer; report of W. C.Walsh, 
Commissioner General Land Office; report of John D. Ten)pleton, Attorney 
General; report of B. M. Baker, Superintendent of Public Instruction ; report 
of H. P. Bee. Commissioner of Insurance, Statistics and History; report of 
W. H. King, Adjutant General ; report of J. H. Britton, State Engineer ; report 
of John B. Lubbock, Fish Commi<sioner ; report of Steph. H. Darden, Super- 
intendent of Public Buildings and Grounds; reports of State Land Board. 
Penitentiary Board, Printing Board; report of Univer.-<ity Regents; report of 
Agricultural and Mechanical College; report of Lunatic Asylums, Austin and 
North Te.xas; reports of Institutes for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind; 
copy of e.\-Commissioner Spaight's "Texas, its Resources," etc. In connection 
with the foregoing a handsome silver plate, upon which were engraved the 
names of the above mentioned State officers, was also deposited. 

List of members of Protection Lodge, No. 61, Knights and Ladies of Honor, 
by Norval Wilson, Secretary. 

One Turkish coin, dated 1223, silver; one Tunisian coin, dated 1289,copper; 
copy of a Turkish paper, by T. Jurdji and A. 0. Walthew, of Galveston. 

Silver box, of Austin Lodge. No. 418, Knights of Honor, with following con- 
tents: Constitution of the Supreme Lodge, constitution of Grand Lodge, by- 
law's of Austin Lodge, certified roll of membership. Supreme Lodge assess- 
ment notice, Subordinate Lodge notice, blank application for membership, 
the Lodge badge of different degrees, list of Grand Lodge officers, list of Lodges 
of the order in Texas, death benefit certificate of Supreme Lodge, and an ad- 
dress of the committee making the deposit, by John Dowell, chairman. 

One dollar — ■" Maxmiliano Emperador " — engraved, " E. T. Eggleston, March 
2, 1885," also a ten dollar Confederate bill, by E. T. Eggleston. 

Seven Swedish coins, four silver, three copper, to-wit: 1 krona, Oscar II, 
1-2 krona, 50 ore, Oscar II, 1-4 krona, 25 ore, Oscar II; 1-10 krona, 10 ore, Oscar 
II, all silver; 1 copper, Charles IX, 2 coppers, Oscar II, and 1 copper, Oscar I, 
deposited by John G. Palm for his three sons, John Cavileer, Eric Ormerod 
and Edward, aged respectively 10, 7 and 4 years, and all engraved with the 
names of the boys. 

Ferry check — "Buena por una Pasada " — Laredo, Texas, to Nueva Laredo, 
Mexico, by Buck Jackson. 



CAPITOL BOARD. 



HON. JOHN IRELAND Governor of Texas. 

" W. J. SWAIN Comptroller. 

" F. R. LUBBOCK Treasurer. 

" W. C. WALSH Commissioner of General Land Ofifice. 

" JOHN D. TEMPLETON Attorney General. 

JOHN T. DICKINSON Secretary of the Board. 



BUILDINO COIVTIVIISSIONKRS. 



HON. JOSEPH LEE Austin. 

" N. L. NORTON* Salado. 

" M. H. McLAURINt Terrell 

GEN. R. L. WALKER, Virginia, Superintendent of Construction. 

*Resigned March 9, 1885. fElected April 7, 1885. 



CONTRACTORS. 



HON. ABNER TAYLOR Chicago, Illinois, -vj 

" A. C. BABCOCK 

" J. V. FARWELL 

" Chas. B. FARWELL 

COL. E. E. MYERS, Detroit, Michigan Architect. 



3 



